In just three seasons, the London-based designer, Racil Chalhoub has managed to reinvent the classic Le Smoking with a thoroughly modern eye.

“For a tuxedo to be modern it needs to be wearable day and night,” says Chalhoub. “The items must work well separately and together and be comfortable enough to become the item you can always rely on.”

For her latest Autumn Winter 2016 collection, inspired by stars, constellations and traditional menswear, Racil has partnered with Matchesfashion.com to release exclusive pieces including the Orion jacket in burgundy velvet and the Ara dress in both midnight blue and burgundy velvet.  All three styles were so popular they sold out within a week, with a second batch set to drop by the end of September.

Here we talk to the designer about her background, tips for pulling off a tuxedo and how sometimes, it takes a cross road to lead you down the right path.

Racil Chalhoub 

What is your background?

I was born in Beirut and my family moved to Paris when I was one-year-old, like many Lebanese families who fled the war. I grew up there until the age of 17. At 17, I moved back to Beirut before moving to London to go to university. I started studying interior architecture before quickly switching to my true passion: fashion design and marketing.

After that I moved back to Lebanon to launch my first venture with my childhood best friend. Kitsch was the first concept store in the region, a boutique cafe and bakery all housed under the roof of a beautiful Lebanese house. I gained a lot of experience from those years, as I was responsible for all the buying and merchandising. Growing up between different cities gives you an open mind; you absorb so many different cultures and see how women’s style varies from one place to another.

Why did you choose to focus on tailoring and tuxedos?

I have always been a big fan of a good blazer. I love dressing them up or down and even wearing them with bohemian dresses. I think a great tailored jacket can take you a long way.

Then one day I fancied upgrading my black blazer and started looking for a tuxedo jacket that wasn't too stiff and could fit my lifestyle. When I realised what a challenge that was, I decided to launch my own line with Le Smoking at the heart of its DNA.

How should women approach tailoring and formal/eveningwear?

Tailoring is a very stylish option and a great eveningwear alternative for women who don't always feel like wearing a dress. I actually think that sporting a tuxedo on a night out can give a woman a lot of confidence they really stand out in a room full of gowns.

A chic tuxedo worn with simple pumps, some earrings and a red lip is very elegant yet edgy. Also, in a tuxedo, you are never underdressed nor overdressed, which is why it is a good bet!

Image from the Autumn Winter 2016 collection, Dreams & Constellations

Why invest in a Racil tuxedo?

The brand is about re-inventing the tuxedo, making it wearable from day to night and night to day too! It is modern in its nonchalance yet always very elegant in its cuts. The Racil tuxedo can be worn as a full look but also separately — the jacket over boyfriend jeans or the trousers with a large cashmere sweater.

What are your styling tips for women when they wear tuxedos?

Less is surely more in this case! Don't be afraid to wear your tuxedo with a cool pair of trainers and a t-shirt for daytime — a vintage t-shirt works well!

For the evening, I love a red lip and some big earrings! You can also wear your pieces separately; a good tuxedo jacket goes with almost everything. When wearing a black one I love to add a touch of colour.

Racil is available at Matchesfashion.com and Selfridges.