Fashion Affair Magazine has been a fan of Furne One’s unparalled designs for quite some time. In fact, his unforgettable gowns graced the cover of our July, November and December issues of 2012. Since then, this fierce couture Dubai-based designer has done what most designers dare to dream of. Within the past few years, he has gained the likes of supermodel Heidi Klum, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Nicole Scherzinger and Amber Rose. We asked Furne a few questions about his challenges, inspirations and where he’s going next. FASHION AFFAIR: How old were
you when you first fell in love with fashion? What or who inspired you? Furne Amato: I was 10 yrs old. I always enjoyed watching my mother and my grandmother dress up and going to parties. I came to realize how much I adored how they dressed up and that is what opened my mind to be one day be a designer.
FAM: What has been your favorite
design so far and why? FA: My favorite designs are the pieces I design for celebrites and for competitions. When they are worn and seen by so many and/ or when I win a competition, this is when I receive recognition which is why they’re my favorite.
FAM: Who has been your favorite
client and why? FA: All my clients of course because they are the ones who have supported me through the years.
FAM: When you first started, did
you ever think FURNE ONE would be what it is today? Has your vision changed from when you first started? If yes, how? FA: When I started I never imagine that it will be what AMATO is now. I started at a very young age and designed dresses for the family only; my sister’s prom, cousin’s birthdays, etc...so I didnt really think about it. I enjoyed very much designing dresses and watching them weari it and listening to how their friends would react and what they would say about them. My vision still remains the same: to be a fashion designer. But I became more focused when I won the “MEGA YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR”. It opened my mind when I traveled to Paris and New York under an apprenticeship with Josie Natori. After that, I gained new insight and clearity as a designer.
FAM: What have you learned
about the fashion industry over the years? FA: I’ve learned quite a bit: to be responsible, focused, determined and to love what you do. I have also learned to not compete with anyone. Make every collection better the last.
FAM: Where do you see FURNE ONE 5 years from now? FA: 5 yrs from now? My partner and I are thinking about a
more accessable ready-to-wear line. As far as personally, I want to travel less, be more relaxed and spend more time with my family and friends.