People of Style — Kyri

“It’s my dream to have one of my gowns worn at the Oscars,” reveals Kyri, UK’s hottest couture sensation.

With sleek lines and an air of Old-Hollywood glamour, Kyri’s masterpieces are both flattering and sophisticated, making the 35-year-old designer a favourite among the stars. In fact, Kyri’s list of celebrity devotees is ever-increasing, as powerhouses Leona Lewis, Thandie Newton, Victoria Beckham, Nelly Furtado and Dita Von Teese regularly enlist Kyri to get them red-carpet ready.

A natural, Kyri was destined to design – ever since he was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. “I guess it all began by dressing my sisters’ dolls when I was much younger,” he recalls. “My mom was a seamstress back then, so I would scoop up her remaining fabric and start draping it over the dolls to create new dresses for them.”

Boyishly handsome and incredibly modest, the designer got his real start at London’s famous fashion forum, Hyper Hyper, with a loan from The Princes Trust. From there, Kyri realized that he could design on his own, and established his label and an exclusive showroom in central London. “When you walk into my boutique, you’ll see some very stylish, classic pieces with what I like to call, a ‘Kyri Edge.’ They are all timeless pieces … very chic, very elegant.”

The London boutique is home to Kyri’s posh ready-to-wear collection, and also serves as the site for all of his bridal and couture appointments. “It’s so rewarding to sit down with a client and have them trust me enough to create something for them entirely from scratch,” he says.

Inspired by style icons such as Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston, Kyri understands women, and creates pieces that make them look and feel confident. “I’m very much drawn to the Old Hollywood glamour of the 1950s,” he says. “Women had so much style and grace back then … Wherever they were going, they always looked perfect, from head to toe.”

His signature look of clean, elegant silhouettes is created through dainty corsets, chic pencil skirts, and
curve-hugging gowns. With exceptional attention to detail, and precise finishing touches, from feminine bows and Swarovski trims, to hand-sewn pearls, Kyri’s designs are effortlessly chic.

Although his designs are currently available in select boutiques across the world, including Singapore, Paris and Dubai, Kyri hopes to make his North American debut. He had a glimpse of what the future has in store for him upon his visit to L.A. for the Grammy Style Studio last year. Showcasing his designs for various artists, Kyri enjoyed great success on the opposite side of the globe. “The reaction was immense,” he recalls, “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as it happened, everyone loved my designs.”

With his positive attitude and spectacular talent, there’s no doubt that Kyri will live out his Oscar fantasy. “There’s definitely room for Kyri out there. It’s just a matter of time,” he says.

Asked to define living la dolce vita, Kyri is a true designer. “To me, it’s just about being fabulous and glamorous,” he says.

Dolce: What’s your favourite city?
Kyri: London

Dolce: Favourite singer?
Kyri: At the moment, it’s Mariah Carey

Dolce: What’s your favorite TV show?
Kyri: Friends…I can just watch it over and over again.

Dolce: Guilty pleasure?
Kyri: Chocolate

Dolce: Favorite sports team?
Kyri: Chelsea football team

www.kyrionline.com