Rebuilding The Fashion Industry In Lebanon
Today I listened to Imran Amed, the founder of Business of Fashion, speak to three Lebanese designers and how they are coping with the aftershock of the Beirut Explosion.
The aftershock of the Beirut Explosion is disastrous and one of the biggest hits is in in the creative industry. There is huge importance to help support the creative community as these creatives are the backbone of Lebanese culture and they’re vital to the community.
The creative industry are asking for the creative community to keep talking and to keep getting the word out that, even though it has been a few weeks since the explosion happened (4th Aug), this does not mean that the help is not still needed - Asking for the community to continue to help support and seek recognition in the Creatives of Lebanon.
The Slow factory - A social media platform for people to donate to support Beirut’s creative community - Art, Fashion, Designers, etc. - All areas to help those who have lost, to help build themselves back up again. - https://www.instagram.com/theslowfactory/?hl=en–
Please see below what the three designer had to say:
Amine Jreissati is a Lebanese creative director, stylist and designer who launched, BOYFRIEND, his genderless fashion brand in 2017. With an eye for understated sophistication and attention to detail, Amine wants to empower both genders to wear his clothing.
- He told us that he has lost so much, from starting the New Year in a pandemic to then having to deal with the aftershock of the Beirut Explosion. He is having to start again, but is keeping hope, so they can go on and build up the fashion industry in Lebanon again.
Elie Saab jr. is a Lebanese fashion designer. His main workshop is in Lebanon, with additional workshops in Milan and Paris. The explosion has obviously hit the smaller fashion designers harder, however even though Elie Saab is a big fashion house, the effect is still great.
- He told us that “patience and resilience” is what we need to believe in for a better future. A lot of institutions are giving support, which we are so thankful for, but we also need long term support! – Like Milan fashion week, designers need time to prepare for 2021 – They need time for young designers of Lebanon to regroup and come up with a right concept to have a more empowering message within there fashion. When the time Is right – “Please give us space and time to shine again.”
Roni Helou is a Lebanese fashion designer which stands for sustainability, human and animal rights, which are at the heart of his business. He works to uphold these values in everything they do.
- He believes that the “Future is green and we need to think that the future is hopeful” – to believe in our youth for a better country and a better future.
