Nargess Gharani and Vanya Strok Biographies

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Portrait of Nargess Gharani and Vanya Strok

Gharani Strok is an established fashion label at the top end of the ready-to-wear market and since its creation in 1995, has become a firm favourite among fashion circles worldwide. Once said to be one of fashions best-kept secrets Gharani Strok is now one of the leading woman’s fashion designers in the UK, attracting interest from the worldwide fashion and lifestyle media.

The company was set up by Nargess Gharani (Iranian) and Vanya Strok (Croatian), on the foundation of a 19-year friendship, after their graduation from the Surrey Institute of Art in London. Their instincts for new trends and an eye for unusual fabrics have created commercially viable collections, which have set them apart from their peers.

Renowned for their imaginative, eclectic mix of fabric and prints, they have acquired an international clientele base and loyal celebrity following throughout the world. Gharani Strok dresses some of the best known celebrity names in the entertainment industry with a huge fan base including Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss, Kiera Knightly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kylie Minogue.

In September 2001, Gharani Strok made their catwalk debut at London Fashion Week and received fantastic reviews from an audience consisting of the fashion world’s leading opinion formers. Now preparing for their sixth catwalk season the duo is taking the industry by storm, capturing the interest of the worldwide press and are now ranked within the top designers in the UK.

On top of their expansive stockist list in the UK, they have gained an international following of buyers with exclusive stores worldwide selling their collection from Europe, to the Middle East, Far East and United States.

As a result of the label’s success, Gharani Strok secured in 2000 a lucrative deal with the British department store, Debenhams producing a diffusion line called GS, joining the likes of Jasper Conran, Ben De Lisi, John Rocha and Mathew Williamson as part of the Designers at Debenhams range. The high street price point of the diffusion range has made Gharani Strok accessible to a very wide audience without damaging their designer credibility.

Over the past year, Gharani Strok have doubled their sales revenue and strengthened their management team. With new exclusive Interiors, Cruise and Maternity lines, the successful duo are expanding further with full force and have a strong vision for development into the future.