A Chit Chat with Arabia Weddings: Anas Younis of “Aennis Eunis”
Jordanian designer Anas Younis Shanaah graduated with an Architecture degree in Amman, Jordan. He followed his passion for design and left for Italy to follow his dreams.
He worked with experts in the leather industry in Florence. Later, Anas moved to New York to study industrial design and worked with high-end designers and retailers.
The talented designer then founded his own brand “Aennis Eunis” in 2009, and mixed his Middle Eastern roots with modern designs.
Today, Anas is known all over the world for his beautiful handmade footwear and leather goods.
We had a chance to ask Anas a few questions and here is what he had to say:
- How do you best describe your designs?
I believe my designs bridge between heritage and current trends. Our mission has always been to show the beauty of our rich culture through a modern and current approach.
"Calligraphy has been one constant tool I use as a signature for my work..."
- How long does it usually take you to work on a piece and come up with the ideas?
Ideas can come to you when you least expect them, or through a determined concept. It’s hard to put a timeframe for that, I guess. Some designs come out “right” as they first come to mind, and others have taken a long process of filtering. To get a piece ready as a final sample it takes 2 to 3 months. Going through the phases, from design, research, prototypes, leather selection then a final sample takes a lot of time and effort.
- When working on new designs, where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes in 3 folds. One is the woman, her femininity and beauty. The second is the Henna or tattoo effect that I always find appealing. Third is our rich cultural references that I am keen on introducing in my work. Calligraphy has been one constant tool I use as a signature for my work.
- As a designer, would you consider creating a line exclusively for brides?
I have always considered bridal shoes, but never came around to it. Perhaps soon it can be a special line under Aennis Eunis.
"My background in architecture and product design gave me a wider view on design and designers..."
- What are your favorite fashion trends, for either men or women?
I am always fascinated by the retro approach. To see things take life again in a new form is life giving birth all over again to treasures from the past. So whenever the tendency is to dig back into the 70’s or 60’s I prepare myself for pleasant results that season.
- Who are some of your favorite designers?
I never looked at fashion “only” as a design field. My background in architecture and product design gave me a wider view on design and designers. Great designers such as Phillip Stark rank among the top for me. I also hold special appreciation for Azzedine Alaia whose styles are always recognized for their richness and details.
- When it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes or heels, what should a bride-to-be look for?
Unfortunately, shoes don’t take center stage in weddings. The dress normally steals the spotlight. So I would say, if the dress is long and dominant, go for comfort. If the dress is shorter leaving room for the shoes to shine, then go for a multi-strapped sandal or a pump. You will need something that holds well and supports all the dancing! Platform heels should be considered so as to provide a comfortable pitch.
