Liberty of London
Many years have passed since the Liberty brand was established when its founder, Arthur, began importing textiles and objects from Asia and the Middle East. In 2005, a desire to renew Mr. Liberty’s original vision of art and design was the driving force behind a new line of apparel and accessories, ‘Liberty of London’, guided by the Anglo-Iraqi designer Tamara Salman. In this exclusive video interview, the New Yooxer goes face-to-face with the brand’s Creative Director. Thanks to her varied personal history and professional experience gained while working for top Italian brands like Prada and Gigli, Tamara was perfectly suited for the position of Creative Director. She immediately understood how to perfectly combine the more traditional elements of the Liberty brand with exotic touches from the East, creating a collection with a contemporary mood and recognizable style.
“I lived down the road from Babylon,” is how the 36 year-old Tamara Salman describes her upbringing in Baghdad, where she lived until the age of fourteen and was exposed to a mix of Arab and Western traditions. Despite the fact that her parents wanted her to become a doctor, Tamara was always certain that her path would take her in an entirely different direction.
Watch Diane Pernet’s video interview with Tamara Salman
Guided by an instinct for experimentation and a love of travel, she made a journey to India at the age of sixteen, after which she moved to England. Her first love was for archeology, which then transformed into a passion for art, and then fashion: an intellectual and creative process not dissimilar to that of Arthur Liberty himself. “I think I embody the adventurous spirit behind Liberty. I have a passion for travel, for the exotic, for the beauty of Eastern cultures. Like Arthur Liberty, I consider myself a non-conformist.” The designer has put a great deal of emphasis on decorative elements, especially the use of prints, which have always been a signature feature of the Liberty brand. In doing so, she “refreshed” the two company logos—the “Hera”, or peacock feather, which was introduced in 1876, as well as the “Ianthe” pattern, emblematic of the Art Nouveau style: whether laser-printed onto bags, embroidered in vibrant colors or digitally rendered for being printed on silk, they immediately evoke a new, but recognizable reference to “liberty style” which is present in all of Tamara’s creations—from fashion and bijoux, to bags and travel accessories, as well as items from her home collection.
DISCOVER THE WORLD OF LIBERTY OF LONDON
LIBERTY OF LONDON on the corner.com - Fall Winter 2009-10 FOR HIM & FOR HER
She has also collaborated with the singer and painter Ronnie Wood, interpreting the spirit of his vivid paintings into clothing and accessories. What all of Salaman’s endeavors share, however, is a meticulous attention to detail and an evident knowledge of fashion history that often results in luxurious trimmings like cufflinks—small but important features that evoke another era but never slip completely into vintage style. In fact, today’s Liberty of London style is in a category all to itself: a bit of rock ‘n roll, a dash of tradition, and impeccable taste.
Discover Liberty of London on yoox.com
