An interview with Fatmah Hussain, founder of luxury footwear brand CARAT
by Lorenza Mezzapelle
There is no doubt that the internet has allowed for a plethora of fashion brands to emerge—and gain popularity—worldwide. So how does one build a brand with a unique vision, all while allowing for their customers to remain unique and genuine to their sense of style?
Iconic, bold, and sophisticated, CARAT is aimed towards women who “make a statement when entering a room, and leave an impression once gone.” Attention to detail is a hallmark of the luxury brand and is certain to please even the most hard-to-satisfy customers, leaving them feeling confident, powerful, and feminine all at once.
After reading an article featuring Sarah Flint, founder of the handcrafted footwear brand by her namesake, who attended the Arustoria School in Milan, Hussain was motivated to leave Kuwait for Italy, where she trained under the guidance of Richard Siccardi. Inspired by her training and Italian craftsmanship, Hussain created a shoe that compromises neither style, comfort, nor quality. CARAT promises only the finest qualities and uses first-class materials. The heels are carefully designed with the aim of providing cutting-edge selective pieces which are suitable for any occasion.
The ongoing debate of whether fashion is art is not up for questioning at CARAT. With each shoe being carefully dreamed of, sketched, and handcrafted by artisans in Italy, it is indisputable that each pair is a work of art that is made to last and impress. Inspired by both classical art and modernity, each shoe is engraved with a ruby, a longstanding symbol of nobility, purity, and passion, ultimately rendering each pair a precious item.
We spoke to Fatma Hussein, founder of the CARAT brand, about the ongoing debate separating fashion and art, craftsmanship, studying in Italy, changing careerpaths, and the trials and tribulations of founding a woman-run business.
Has CARAT changed much since you first started?
“I do everything myself, In this phase I believe that I need to be as close as I can to every detail in my business to build up the experience that I need in order to assign later on the proper assistance in the right positions.”
Every pair of CARAT shoes is carefully crafted, do you see a difference between shoemaking and art?
“Depending on the design and style, shoe-making is a manifestation of art. The process itself is like a symphony. When I enter the factory, I imagine it as an orchestra where the shoemakers are playing the rhythms on each pair to deliver you such precious, handmade artistic items. It’s a crucial part of why they’re called ‘artisans’.”
Along the same lines, there is much debate about whether fashion is art or not. Do you consider fashion to be art?
“Absolutely! Fashion is the translation of art into wearable items that you can physically hold, enjoy, and wear.”
Has Kuwaiti culture inspired your brand in any way?
“Definitely. As a Kuwaiti designer, I take the responsibility of representing and reflecting Kuwaiti ladies’ unique taste in fashion into my designs.”
Your website states that you worked in another industry before starting your brand, what drove you to making the switch?
“I’m still working in the oil industry, but I always had my eyes on the fashion world. I reached a certain point in my life when I decided that I want to make this passion into a real business.”
What inspired you to travel to—and train—in Italy?
“It was an article I found on Google, which interviewed the youngest shoe designer, Sarah Flint, who graduated from Arsutoria School, in Milan. I emailed them directly requesting a customized course so that I could acquire the knowledge that I needed. I was more than lucky to have them assigned me Richard Siccardi! One of Sarah’s mentors. That was all I needed.”
Did you ever see yourself being where you are today?
“I’ll use a Diane von Furstenberg quote here where she said: ‘I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the woman I wanted to be.’”
As a woman running a business, what are some difficulties you encounter on a regular basis?
“It’s a very challenging industry, on one hand I need to be the boss lady looking over the manufacturing,packaging,delivery,finance, maintaining brand marketing strategy & on the other hand I have to keep educating myself more about footwear designing & follow trend compass.”
What have you learned from starting your own brand?
“That it takes more than knowledge and a budget to startup your own label. You need passion, to keep yourself motivated and armed with dedication, and enough strength to keep going.”
Where do you see CARAT headed in the future?
“I’d love to see my collection distributed globally to reach all people who share the same I love I have for iconic fashion pieces. This is my new baby, seeing it grow and be appreciated means the world to me.”
What do you want people to know about CARAT?
“If you are a picky, hard to satisfy customer when it comes to buying shoes, I highly recommend you to try the CARAT line. It is a brand that pays attention to every detail. If you don’t immediately fall in love with it, you’ll still find that you like it and wear it.”
Do you have any advice for people who dream of starting their own business but are scared to do so?
“Follow your guts. Do not wait for the perfect time, it might never come.”
Customers can keep an eye out for the upcoming collaborations, and the SS21 collection, by following CARAT’s Instagram at caratbrandofficial, or at https://caratbrandofficial.com/. CARAT shoes are certain to become your most covetable items.
