Interview with MALAIKARAISS
Based in the lovely city of Berlin, in 2010 a bunch of young creative individuals found each other, brought together by designer Malaika Raiss, to create the essential collections fort he self-named fashion label. Willing to put their heart, soul, experience and knowledge into it and start that risky business. The Malaika Raiss look is positive, strong and soft at the same time as well as a bit edgy if needed. The ready-to-wear styles focus on a clean silhouette which combine innovative fabrics and yarns with unique finishings in an expressive look and feel. Close to the Zeitgeist with a good sense of humor and great love for detail the desginer and her team create sustainable and conceptual high-end fashion.
LONG TIME FAVORITES – MADE WITH LOVE, CARE, AND A BIG SMILE
How would you describe your SS 2012 collection?
Minimalistic-clean silhouettes meet the lightness of being and the eccentric lifestyle of the Studio54 era.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
There are various sources of inspiration, things that happen in my daily life, music, art and movies. For “Exit Eden” I did some intense research about Studio 54 and the late 70´s NYC party scene.
You don’t actually have colour in your collections is that something that is “Malaika Raiss” or what would you say is your unique design signature?
Kind of, the colour should not distract from my focus, structured yarns and fabrics, surfaces, prints and unique visual effects.
What was your highlight of your design career so far and what do you expect from the next year?
My highlight was our presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin – a dream come true. Next goal: making MALAIKARAISS internationally known and maybe a catwalk next time 
Have you ever been at the point where you were thinking about if it was a wrong decision to go into a fashion career?
Yes, many times! Cause it’s a whole lot of work. But I LOVE doing what I do so much, it’s worth it in the end!
Has Berlin a big influence on your designs? And what’s the difference between Berlin and other fashion capitals?
Definitely, Berlin has no label, Paris is chic, New York is sophisticated and urban etc. You can do anything you like in Berlin, it’s like a puzzle and you have to put it together.
For a recent interview about their latest collection head over here (German only)
photos via facebook & MalaikaRaiss
