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A Passion for Floors
2011-01-03 12:57
Four years ago, Kamyar Moghadan opened his flagship store Fashion for Floors on Boulevard des Moulins in Monaco. We spoke to him about his background, business, and future projects.
Kamyar Moghadan: Our family were originally from Iran, but my father Alexander emigrated to Germany in the 1960s, bringing with him his knowledge and experience of the craft of carpet-weaving. He was staying in Monaco when he was introduced, purely by chance, to Princess Grace. She suggested that he set up a carpet showroom in Monaco, promising not only to open it, but also to be his first customer!
CityOut: And how did you become involved in the family business?
KM: My own background wasn’t in carpets at all – it was in fashion, training at the Parsons School of Design in Paris. One of classmates was Tom Ford, who went on to relaunch Gucci in the early 90s (and made his debut as a film director with 'A Single Man' last year). My interest was much more to do with the world of cosmetics and the salon. Then I was invited by my father to come and work for him in our Monaco shop. Later it struck me that maybe there was a market in marrying the concept of haute couture with my father’s traditional craft of carpet-making, and Fashion for Floors was born.
CO: You yourself have worked alongside other big name designers. Have they influenced the way you work?
KM: I’ve been influenced by my own fascination with styling, of course. With Christophe Robin I set up the first colour salon in Paris, and I was responsible for launching and developing the John Frieda brand across Europe. But my biggest influence is almost certainly Karl Lagerfeld. He’s been to the shop here in Monaco, of course, and I’d love to persuade him to develop a line based on our designs. He may well do so!
CO: Tell us something about Fashion for Floors
KM: Well, the philosophy is simple. We treat the floor as a body, looking at it, dressing it up, in the same way a couturier would dress a client, and taking as much care over styling and design as they would. It’s haute couture for interiors. As well as other materials, some of our most luxurious floors are made from animal skins – cow, rabbit, springbok: all farmed, not hunted – we’re into humane and sustainable design here.
CO: You’ve been in Monaco since 2006, but you have bigger plans, now?
KM: Yes, our flagship store is here in this beautiful belle Epoque building on the Boulevard des Moulins – coincidentally it’s the former Gucci shop. But next year we’ll be opening our first stores outside the Principality – one in Frankfurt and one in Munich – and we feel it will be a great success, because after the Americans, the Germans are the second biggest market for carpets in the world. We’re also currently displaying our floors in Harvey Nichols in London, so that may be a future market for us.
CO: And what about France?
KM: Traditionally, the French don’t go in so much for carpets, but it would still be great to open in Paris!
CO: A final thought - like your father, you have a special connection with the ruling family of Monaco. Can you tell us something about that relationship as we approach a very significant year for the Palace?
KM: Certainly. We have the proud accolade of being 'by appointment' to HSH Prince Albert, which means we are the official suppliers for all floors to the Palace of Monaco - the only carpet suppliers with this prestigious title in the world! For next year we are preparing a beautiful piece - entirely handmade especially for the Royal Wedding, but naturally I can't say more about it at the moment. People always talk about what the bride will wear - but just as important is what she will be stepping on to!
CO: Kamyar, thanks for giving up your time to bring our readers such an interesting introduction to your work, - and we'd like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a hugely successful New Year in all your exciting projects.