By
It may have been on the global radar for over a decade, but Lebanon’s fashion scene
is having another moment. The country first stole international style
headlines when designers like Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra and
Rabih Kayrouz began making couture gowns for Hollywood celebs. Elie
Saab, Zuhair Murad, Rabih Kayrouz, a trio of Lebanese designers whose
unique couture and ready-to-wear creations have taken the international
fashion scene by storm.What is it like to live in a pressure cooker? If
you want a real answer to that question, you might want to ask someone
from Lebanon.
Although it is one of the Middle East’s
most beautiful countries – after all, Beirut was known as the “Paris of
the Middle East” in the 1970s – it has also been ravaged by war for
decades. Beyond their heritage, these designers are tied together by a
common thread: their creations are magically spun from glittering
embroidery and embellishment. They truly create magic! The Middle East
is known for its artisans and craftsmanship. They work on embroideries
and hand works of all sorts. In Lebanon, we they’re a salad bowl of so
many communities and each one specialized in some craft: from the
Armenians to the Druze and to people in Saida or
Tripoli or Baalbeck. There is so much to explore. Plus, they’re
survivors. So they teach themselves skills and professions to stay
afloat and that is an advantage!
Elie Saab, the spiritual grandfather of this new generation of Lebanese designers, was the first to break out when Halle Berry wore
one of his couture gowns to the 74th Academy Awards in 2002. Since
then, his fame has opened doors for other designers like Georges
Hobeika, Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra, Rabih Kayrouz, and Jean Louis Sabaji.
Although they all represent the category of feminine eveningwear, they
each have their own unique aesthetic and story to bring to the table.
Bollywood is closely connected to Lebanon fashion. Priyanka Chopra
walked Oscars red carpet in Lebanese designer, Zuhair Murad’s, creation.
She looked ravishing in a structured cage bustier mermaid dress in
white silk tulle adorn with 3D shimmering climbing flowers. Aishwarya
Rai Bachchan on the other hand, made her third and the last appearance
of 2016 Cannes Film Festival during the premiere of ‘From the Land of
The Moon (Mal De Pierres).’
The L’Oreal global ambassador chose to wear a delicate applique-detailed
floral gown designed by Lebanese-American fashion designer Rami
Kadi. Katrina Kaif during ‘Fitoor’ launch wowed in a win coloured
strapless dress by Beirut-based Lebanese designer Georges Chakra. The
well-crafted, glamorous garments that the designers create have become a
celebrity hit. With a perfect combination of detailed volume and
luxury, Bollywood clearly loves this trend.
