Meet a Montrealer: Rad Hourani

Lauded in Paris and New York as one of the finest fashion designers of his generation, Rad Hourani is the first designer invited by La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris to create and showcase a unisex line. In 2005, Hourani revolutionized fashion when, at the age of 23, he designed his first unisex collection, then launched his namesake label in Paris in October 2007. But Paris-based Hourani – who spends some four months of the year in Montréal, the city he calls his hometown – is more than a fashion designer: he is a visionary designer, artist and photographer, and his new multi-disciplinary exhibition of original artworks, Neutrality (Neutralité), at the Arsenal Montréal contemporary art venue, expands on his vision of a neutral world without boundaries or limits.

What is your favourite pastime?

Yoga and cooking. I love to cook. I also enjoy hiking and spending time with kids. I am the godfather of two children.

How long have you been a Montrealer?

I have been in Montréal for half of my life. I discovered myself as an adult in Montréal. That is a very important moment in one’s life, it happened here, so I will always be a Montrealer.

What is the coolest thing you’ve done so far this year?

This exhibition! This is the best thing I’ve ever done so far.

What is it you love most about being a visual artist?

That I have no limits to conceptualize something and express myself.

What message do you want to express with your exhibition?

To be neutral. I propose a neutral state of being, a neutral society, to leave this exhibit with a neutral mind. I hope it is liberating as an exercise. It is all related. Like (wearing) genderless clothes is freeing yourself, not limiting yourself to be a man or a woman.

What’s the next big thing you’re planning?

This exhibition will travel to Paris and other cities. I also want to make a film, write a script that would reflect neutrality. I also love cooking and would like to open a restaurant one day.

What’s your favourite Montréal memory?

Riding the metro with my family to the Old Port to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the turn of the millennium. I remember every scene because my illusion of the number 2000 back then was very strong.

What’s your favourite Montréal restaurant?

I really enjoy eating at Omma, a Korean restaurant on Rue Bernard. Everything there is homemade. I also like La Panthère Verte for organic vegetarian sandwiches.

Where do you like to go for drinks with friends?

I don’t drink anymore. I rarely drink coffee, but I drink tea a lot, at home with friends. I rarely go out.

What’s the one thing anyone visiting Montréal should absolutely do?

This sounds so egocentric, but they must come to my gallery on Rue Saint-Paul, where everything is made in Montréal, and come see my exhibition at the Arsenal.

Rad Hourani’s Neutrality (Neutralité) exhibition continues at Arsenal Montréal until Jan. 17, 2016. There is also a pop-up collection onsite sampling art work from the exhibition.

The Rad Hourani Unisex Gallery is located at 231 Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montreal.