‘I had a big crush on Kylie Minogue’: Fashion designer Steven Khalil

Designer Steven Khalil is best known for creating dreamy wedding gowns for society brides, and dressing celebrities including Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Jenner on the red carpet. Here, the 49-year-old talks about gaining acceptance in his migrant family, and making long-distance love last.

Steven Khalil was first inspired to sew by his aunt, Amal.

My paternal grandmother, Saada, was born in Lebanon and relocated to Sydney in the late 1950s. She was a proud home-keeper, very traditional in her outlook, and loved to cook for her husband and children. She kept a beautiful home and held the fort.

I have fond memories of seeing my paternal aunty, Amal, sewing clothes at home. I’d watch her make garments for her children and started taking notice when I was aged seven. She also had a friend who would come by and sew with her.

My mum, Hassebe, also known as Helen, came to Sydney in 1969, aged 20, with my father, Louie. Her parents didn’t migrate to Australia, they remained in Lebanon. Her mother died when Mum was in her 30s.

Mum was also a home-keeper who raised four children mostly on her own as she divorced my father when I was two years old. Her generation was all about survival: growing up in Lebanon they had to find ways to get food on the table. As a result they grew up a little tougher and didn’t really show support through emotional understanding. Instead, it was via feeding us.

Mum would reminisce about getting her hair done in Tripoli and getting clothes made by a seamstress in the nearby villages back home. After she married, her life changed a lot; she became a mother and didn’t have time for those perks. Coming to Australia was a whole new lifestyle adjustment.

Mum always supported me and encouraged me in my decision to sew. She would watch me stitch and make clothes and often leave me her old curtains to make dresses. One of the first garments I made her was a black, beaded lace blouse that she wore with a loose pant. It’s still in her wardrobe.

I have two older sisters: Sousanna, who’s four years older, and Nadia, who’s two years older. I probably drove them crazy as a kid because I was a ball of energy. As teenagers, they would have found me annoying. One of my sisters eloped and didn’t need a wedding dress. She said, “One day I’ll wear one of your sample gowns and take photos for you.” [Laughs]

Our eldest brother, Khalil, wasn’t in the greatest of health and ended up having a lot of mental health issues in life. Mum had a hard life because of that. We lived in government housing; it was tough for her.

My school teacher, Mrs Durrington, at Leumeah High School in Campbelltown [in south-west Sydney] taught me textiles and design, among other general subjects. She was a huge inspiration as she nurtured my creativity. We are still in touch.

I had a big crush on Kylie Minogue as a 13-year-old. I had posters of her on my bedroom walls. I first noticed her in the Locomotion video clip and, of course, in Neighbours; I loved the wedding dress she wore when she got married on the show.

I never discussed my sexuality with my mother or sisters. I always knew about my sexuality ever since I was young and have been quite comfortable with it. I was in a long-term relationship with a guy for 10 years and travelled with him to Italy. When I returned [in 2015], Mum asked me if he was a boyfriend. My sisters, who were sitting at the table at the time, said, “Go on, tell her, she knows.” She loves me unconditionally.

I have been with my partner, Ryan Patros, who is from Los Angeles, for five years. He is a fashion designer who also makes evening gowns and bridal dresses. We met before COVID, and had plans for him to come to Sydney, but the borders shut, and we did long-distance dating for two years. He lives in Australia now, and we’re engaged and talk about getting married.

When it comes to designing bridal gowns, I am inspired by old Hollywood glamour. I love Elizabeth Taylor’s cream-coloured satin wedding gown from her first marriage, and Maria’s wedding dress in The Sound of Music. But it has to be Princess Diana’s wedding dress that I keep going back to for inspiration.

Steven Khalil will present the Melbourne Fashion Festival Grand Showcase on March 7.

Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.