At Dwelling With Inside Designer Aleem Kassam

A vintage jewellery cabinet, designer Gucci bag and custom made engagement ring spotlight the designer’s wander-in closet.

It might appear like a contradiction coming from another person with a wardrobe complete of substantial-end labels (Gucci, Ferragamo and Versace can be spotted inside seconds of getting into the walk-in), but Aleem Kassam, co-founder and principal of layout firm Kalu Interiors, thinks that type does not have to break the financial institution. “I think that no matter what your finances is, model is indicative of how inventive you can be,” he states.

Kassam’s creativeness and aptitude permeate the amazing Gastown loft he renovated alongside his fiancé, Victor Kazakov, in 2020 and 2021, specifically in his significant stroll-in closet and dressing space, a place that seamlessly combines his enthusiasm for manner and inside structure. “So much of my life revolves around doing the job and collaborating with both nearby designers and intercontinental designers, but also mixing trend and jewelry from a selection of home brand names. Components are a massive aspect of the way I curate myself, just like I curate areas,” he claims.

Kassam acknowledges that not all people has the signifies to have a closet as extravagant as his, especially in a town like Vancouver (at 200 square feet, it’s much larger than most bedrooms and presents Carrie Bradshaw’s famed stroll-in from Intercourse and the Metropolis a run for its income). Nevertheless, he echoes what Queer Eye has been preaching for a long time: aesthetics affect all of our lives, and finally how we really feel about ourselves.

“Fashion and shelter are two factors that everybody interacts with every day, no matter your earnings stage or where you dwell. Interiors have influence on our nicely-being and mental health. And apparel, quite equally: it is that aspect of sensation at ease in your very own skin. I often explain to men and women to look at vogue and spaces as aspirational. Design and style your dwelling for wherever you want to go in everyday living dress for the profession that you want. The two are methods to elevate not just your type, but inherently your goals and goals.”

Aleem Kassam’s Favourite Points

Modular personalized suit and robe

“One of my favourite items is performing with, collaborating with and supporting local designers-we have so a great deal expertise in our possess backyard, so why not begin with your possess neighborhood?” says designer Aleem Kassam (remaining), pictured with fiancé Victor Kazakov and golden Bengal cat Theos. “Because it is difficult to pick just a single, I’ll opt for the a single that is a 10-in-just one, which is my convertible and modular personalized go well with and gown by Jason Matlo: a four-piece assortment with countless solutions. It’s merely epic.

Stella McCartney Elyse system shoes

“I have these Stella McCartney Elyse platforms in quite a few colours and variations for the reason that they all have a significantly higher sole, supplying me a sizeable raise in height–the best way for me to get a minor nearer to Victor, who towers above me at six-foot-two.”

An antique jewelry cupboard

“This Qing dynasty jewelry cupboard was purchased from an antique shop on South Granville which is no for a longer period there. It is basically a silverware cupboard from the 19th century that I transformed to use for jewellery, sunglasses and add-ons. I really like this product mainly because it delivers in the aged with the new and completely organizes just about every and every item in its location.”

Crimson Gucci 100th anniversary Centum bag

“I enjoy my Gucci 100th-anniversary Centum bag in purple felt (with matching slide-ons), which only became obtainable in the Vancouver boutique the exact same day Victor proposed and we ended up engaged. On this working day, Victor had the keep privately opened for us immediately after several hours, and this bag promptly caught my eye, so I ordered it to mark the occasion–perfectly fitting for the working day.”

His engagement ring

“This is a no-brainer. Victor made my engagement ring with my uncle, who’s a properly-acknowledged jewelry designer in New York. This Fashionable-Deco-type piece has a central 2.5-carat rectangular emerald-minimize diamond in a elevated centre semi-bezel location, and not only signifies this specific minute in our life, but also correctly enhances me and my model: bold, special and uncommon.”

Favorite hangout

“You’ll discover me at the Foyer Lounge at the Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada PI., fairmont.com). It’s my favourite location in the town. It’s near to home, close to the drinking water, the employees are incredible and I really like the layout.”

Favourite Purchasing

“I unquestionably appreciate Obakki (1638 W 3rd Ave., obakki.com). I really like the clean up, minimalist and contemporary interpretations of cultural designs developed in a assortment of locations, together with South The usa and Africa. And I appreciate that they guidance these community communities by acutely aware output and by ensuring that sustainable, hand-crafted and special parts can be enjoyed all-around the earth. I also enjoy Annie Axtell (1616 Pandora St., annieaxtell.com), who does attractive upholstery and cushion accents that are additional playful and exciting. For classic finds, I started out adhering to a couple of new, area Instagram accounts. A single is Kollection by Irie (instagram.com/kollectionbyirie) and they have some genuinely great mid-century parts.”

This tale was at first published in the July/August 2023 print problem of Vancouver Journal—find the digital difficulty right here and subscribe now for totally free!