In crisis-hit Lebanon, fashion education and Elie Saab partnership fuel hope for a brighter future
On every red carpet and at every major festival, celebrities shine in stunning gowns designed by world-renowned Lebanese designers, including Elie Saab.
This comes as no surprise—Lebanon has long been considered the second capital of fashion after France, thanks to its creative talent.
In recent years, however, that success has faded locally and now shines abroad, driven away by ongoing crises. So, what is the current state of Lebanon's fashion sector?
Universities are well-equipped and continue to graduate dozens of fashion design students each year. Among them is the Lebanese American University, which 12 years ago launched a fashion design program in partnership with Elie Saab. The program has grown rapidly.
This year, as in previous years, LAU celebrated its ninth graduating class—15 young men and women who showcased their work in a fashion show that concluded with four standout students being recognized for their exceptional designs.
The show was titled Panorama—a name that carried a message of its own.
After graduation, many of these students are offered opportunities abroad through collaborations with Elie Saab and Elie Saab Jr.
Although Lebanon's market has become saturated with designers—most of whom are now investing their talent locally—there is renewed hope that their creations will once again shine at home.
Many in the industry remain optimistic that Lebanon will reclaim its role as a hub for major events, top celebrities, and a beacon of art, fashion, and beauty.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
7 hours ago
- LBCI
Ziad Rahbani's final farewell draws a nation in tribute
Report by Yara Dargham, English adaptation by Mariella Succar At the moment of Ziad Rahbani's passing, Lebanon's many contradictions came together in a rare show of unity—bound by love for the man who had long defied definition. Ziad left the way he lived—on his own terms. His farewell was both official and deeply personal, as crowds of people who loved him gathered to say goodbye, their voices loud with emotion. He left behind a trail of memories that are almost impossible to recall without a tear—or a smile. Though it marked his final farewell, the atmosphere was also one of warmth and remembrance. Those closest to Ziad—friends who lived through years of creativity by his side—shared moments that spoke to the depth and breadth of his talent. Among the most striking aspects of his life was his spiritual dimension. Though not religious or keen to identify himself as a believer, Ziad wrote hymns and prayers that have endured in collective memory. His music felt like a conversation with God—sometimes doubtful, but always filled with hope. Ziad's funeral turned into a cultural and artistic procession, just as he deserved. Artists gathered around his casket, offering their hearts, their words, and their voices. Among them were Khaled El Haber, Marcel Khalife, and Talal Haidar, who stood by Ziad's coffin and vowed they would meet again. And the farewell wouldn't be complete without the voice of Fairuz singing: 'Only they remain, like the elderflower bloom...' 'You alone, Ziad, will remain,' one mourner said. 'Not just because you were a genius—but because you were like us, and ahead of us at the same time. A joke in the face of pain, and truth in the face of lies.'
LBCI
12 hours ago
- LBCI
MP Ibrahim Kanaan announces finance committee's approval of Banking Reform Law ahead of General Assembly vote
MP Ibrahim Kanaan announced that the Banking Reform Law was approved during a six-hour session of the Finance and Budget Committee. He recalled the committee's recommendation to the government last May to submit the Financial Recovery and Deposit Restoration Law, 'which the government has yet to do.' Following the session, Kanaan stated: 'Depositors' funds and accountability will not be sacrificed. Everyone knows how the money was wasted and how it was distributed between the government, the Central Bank, and the commercial banks.' He added: 'We affirmed the independence of the Higher Banking Commission from both political authorities and the banks, and depositors will be represented within it.'
LBCI
12 hours ago
- LBCI
Speaker Berri holds meetings in Ain al-Tineh, calls for joint parliamentary session
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received former Prime Minister Hassan Diab at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh, where the two discussed recent political developments and the current situation in the country. Berri also met with the Ambassador of Egypt to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa. The meeting touched on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as political and security updates and bilateral relations between the two countries. Separately, Speaker Berri called for a meeting of the Parliament Bureau to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29. He also invited the Finance and Budget; Administration and Justice; National Defense, Interior, and Municipalities; Public Works, Transport, Energy, and Water; National Economy, Trade, Industry, and Planning; and Media and Telecommunications committees to a joint session at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30. The session will address several legislative proposals, including a draft law to amend Law No. 48 dated September 7, 2017, on public-private partnerships; a proposal to include contractors at the Ministry of Information under the retirement law; and a draft law allowing the Beirut Municipality to authorize energy production.
