Reem Kanj Feature In Flavour Magazine

By Reem in : Designers, Fashion, News, Online, Press // Nov 21 2009

Big ups to Annika And Toya xx

Reem Kanj: 5’5 girl in a 5’10 world

Reem Kanj is part of a new breed of young and ambitious female pioneers who are making opportunities as opposed to waiting for them. Having graduated from the London College of Fashion this year Reem has carved a name for herself as both a shrewd business woman and designer to the stars. Using the internet as her main tool for exposure Reem exploded onto computer screens worldwide as an exotic and opinionated beauty, grabbing the attention of thousands as she fought to make her dreams come true.

Reem’s love for fashion and all things associated began to emerge from the early age of 6, where she would often be found sketching outfits in crayola crayons. Since then her vision has been undeterred. After a brief stint in modelling, Reem made the decision to quit and focus her attentions fully on her career as a designer, disappointing many of her internet followers. “It’s just not for me. I tried to get signed to agencies and I was told I was pretty but too short and that it’s never going to happen.” This may come as a surprise to some, as Reem was heavily featured across urban media throughout 2008. “I just wanted to get away from everything urban and what you would normally affiliate shorter girls doing – like video modelling. In the US video modelling is a legitimate role – you are working a job. It’s different in the UK. Here, girls don’t mind if they don’t get paid which just lowers the standard and makes it harder for models starting out.” Not that Reem looks down upon video work. “I did a video for NDubz – a multi platinum selling band! I was a student, I was broke and I was like £150 WOW! It was a great experience that only worked for my benefit. But I wasn’t going to call myself a model if I’m not signed to a professional agency. That’s when I came up with 5’5 girl in a 5’10 world – it’s an analogy of my life!”

Dress Designed by Reem

5’5 girl in a 5’10 world is Reem’s independent website which chronicles the pros and cons in both the modelling and fashion industry. Reem often views her opinions via this blog-like site addressing social and fashion issues as well as giving advice. Wary of the pitfalls that wannabe models face, Reem believes it is her duty to guide young girls through the gauntlet that is modelling in the UK. Originally speaking at workshops which did just that, Reem also put that on the back burner along with her modelling career. “That was premature and I was only involved for a short time. I don’t have anything to do with money and taking it from people. I’d rather just give out advice as I’ve almost been ripped off in the past by people who promise they are going to make your dreams come true”.

Ever the entrepreneur Reem Kanj has successfully used her online popularity as a means to surge her career forward, proving that you can make your own dreams come true. Her next project is to launch her official fashion label with sister and partner – Natalia. Using her own experience as a model, Reem has been able to create designs that are flattering to all shapes and sizes, something she is very proud of. “As a designer I know it’s not ideal to have a short girl on the runway – but everything can be moulded. My sister and I are different sizes so the collection reflects that.” House of Rena is currently being stocked in boutiques in Cheshire and northwest England with scope to go global – with the girls already setting up a franchise in Dubai.

“There is no impossibility. The thing that put me on the map was having my dresses on the red carpet. The most important thing is getting your name out there first – being seen. So far I have only done running pieces for private clients – It’s only now that I feel ready to do a full collection.”

Going from a complete unknown to having her dresses worn by strictly come dancing judge, Alesha Dixon at the Brits this year, is an outstanding feat. Having firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with this side of the Atlantic, Reem has set her sights on taking over the world – Much like her role model, Tyra Banks.

Although her legion of fans may be disappointed with Reem’s sudden move departure from in front of the camera to behind it, they continue to support her endeavours as she lives out her childhood dream.

Words By Toya Berry

About the Author

Reem has written 266 articles for Five Five Fabulous.

Reem is the founder and editor of FiveFiveFabulous.com. She specialises in the styling and the visuals that you find on the site. You can contact her via the contact page.