Life, Love and Lebanon

Brownbook Men's Fashion Directory - Industrial Therapy

2013-10-22T17:17:00.000+03:00

ArtSetters.com Live!

2013-10-22T16:40:00.001+03:00

Showcasing the best talents in art and design from the influential culture capitals dotting the globe. They're your ticket in.

From Athens to Capetown, our ArtSetters grant our users an exclusive inside track into their respective home cities. With magazine editors, fashion stylists, photographers, and architects in the mix, these talented curators set the trends, drive the scene and are intimately connected to the other tastemakers in their city.

Our mission is to bring the coolest content to our users from unique artists and designers hand-picked by young creative influencers in cities around the world. We hope to break the often impenetrable scenes of cities like Beirut and Hong Kong and grant access to unique products long before they become mainstream.

Music: "La Femme Ressort" by "Psycho Tropical Berlin"Artsetters Live

Artsetters.com

2013-07-19T13:11:00.000+03:00

6:05^®at depechemode

A fundraising event was held by 6:05®on July 2, 2013, in support of ‘SKOUN’ – a non-profit organization that has been a pioneer in drug addiction treatment and prevention by providing the only outpatient treatment center in Lebanon.

A limited series of designer t-shirts created by some of Lebanon’s fashion masters, design gurus and up-and-coming talents, under the theme ‘Love Hugs N’ Rock N’ Roll’ were showcased. The collaborating t-shirt designers included: Karim Chaya / Rana Salam / Najla El Zein / Amine Jreissati / Bashar Assaf / Caline Chidiac / Celine Dertorossian / Georges El Ten / Hussein Bazaza / Mazen Fayad / Raed Khazen / Rayya Morcos / Ronald Abdallah / Rouba Mourtada / Sandra Mansour / Sevag Dilsizian / Stephanie Moussalem / Tamara Al Samerraei

The t-shirts will be sold exclusively at 6:05 and proceeds from each sale will be donated to SKOUN.

L'OFFICIEL LEVANT JULY 2013

2013-07-09T16:34:00.000+03:00

The Story Has Been Told

2013-06-28T12:47:00.000+03:00

What began in December of last year has now come full circle with the completion of DAS ring's Story Metal (CU) collection. Shifted, the one below, is my favorite not just because of its design but the meaning behind it. I've often changed my course in life and I've always been surprised by the outcome.Visit Starch in Saifi Village, Beirut so Sevag can tell you the whole story from beginning to end.

SHIFTED

Decide to change the course and what

happens may surprise you.

STEPS

The incredible highs, the impossible lows and

a flood of stages in between are how you climb

the summit.

SUCK-CESS

A condition that exists in people’s minds – when

overt success balances on the nose of a nail.

ENDLESS TWIST

The spiral continues and with each new rotation

an unexpected twist of fate awaits.

PROTECTOR

How difficult it really is to free yourself from the

tightening grip of those who love you.

Fashion FAST Forward

2013-05-08T18:06:00.000+03:00

Behind and in front of the camera with Sevag Dilsizian - Starch Foundation 2012/2013 jewelry designer at Fashion Forward, Dubai - the Middle East's most successful fashion forum to date.

Thousands gathered to see the shows, hear words of wisdom from the best and brightest (including Lebanon's own Rabih Kayrouz), network, and most of all get down and party. Dubai's elite came out full force, dressed to the nines and sometimes barely dressed at all. Here's a snapshot of what was seen and what begged to be seen according to Sevag.

Meet the designers at Starch » Shopping & Style » Time Out Beirut

2013-04-15T22:35:00.001+03:00

Meet the designers at Starch » Shopping & Style » Time Out Beirut

More than ten designers associated with Middle East to showcase at Fashion Forward

2013-03-18T13:15:00.000+02:00

Fashion Forward designer round-up from AMEinfo.com - the ultimate Middle Eastern Business resource.

More than ten designers associated with the Middle East will showcase a curated selection of their pieces at the FFWD Pop-Up Shop at the Madinat Jumeirah from April 26-29th, as part of the first season of FFWD.

The designers include three Emirati brands: Bint Thani - Khulood Thani's stylish ladies' turbans in a range of colours and fabrics; Sugar Vintage - Leila Al Marashi's hand embellished t-shirts with fun prints; and Tresors Sauvages - Amalie Beljafla and Soraya Alali's collection of 'Elephant' silk scarves.

"Accessories actually represent the fastest-growing segment of the international fashion landscape in terms of sales and emerging designers," said Bong Guerrero, CEO and creative director of FFWD. "Responding to the universal appeal of inspired, well-crafted pieces, FFWD has carefully curated a diverse, hand-picked selection of some of the region's very best accessories."

"The concept of the Pop-Up Shop enables our guests to purchase their own piece of FFWD. Jewels, bags, scarves and pieces of wearable art showcase the creativity of designers from the Middle East while adding significantly to the bottom line of the region's overall retail sector," he added.

In addition to Bint Thani, Sugar Vintage and Tresors Sauvages, the following designers are taking part in the inaugural FFWD Pop-Up Shop:
- Aila - a brand of bags that is synonymous with femininity, glamour and sophistication. Using original designs and fabrics, Amal Khourshid, a Kuwaiti designer of Palestinian origin, crafts high quality leather and snakeskin bags and clutches, and small leather goods.

- Bil Arabi - Lebanese artist and designer Nadine Kanso's jewellery line includes rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and cufflinks that draw on the inherent beauty, calligraphic shape and lyricism of the Arabic alphabet. Using yellow, white and rose gold, along with dazzling precious and semi-precious stones, Kanso updates the traditional letters with her own funky twist, creating a new contemporary visual language.

- CeeCode - Young Lebanese designer Cynthia Pennikian's handbag line is iconic and individual. Cynthia uses regionally inspired number plate designs on the finest leather to create distinctive and desirable clutches. CeeCode is every woman's personality code, attitude and style. It delivers free spirited designs with a reflection of funky fun, love for life and elegance.

- D Jewellery - Dalia Hamdallah's line consists of a variety of statement rings, bracelets, cuffs, bangles, necklace chokers and long pendants all wired up into one-of-a-kind pieces. The entire collection is made with material and stones carefully selected from Cairo silver market from the wires to each stone used in the designs.

- DAS - The range comprises mainly of rings, as designer Sevag Dilsizian believes people tend to express themselves with their rings more than any other jewelry item. Sevag wants to move away from the idea of jewellery solely as a luxury item, and to value each ring as expressive artwork.

- Mar Mar - Marwa Kharsa has designed a fun and cheeky fashion jewellery line that juxtaposes hard and edgy motifs such as skulls and spikes, with soft and girly stars and hearts. Daring designs in striking colours and vibrant precious stones set in 18 kt gold give Mar Mar its effortless rock 'n roll wearability, making it a modern jewellery line for the hip and fun.

- Mina Me - Yasmine Pharaon's label combines a love for vibrant, fresh and striking colours, and a whole-hearted belief that good luck charms can go a long way. Yasmine's designs offer the wearer a chance to express the happier side of fashion. The Hand of Fatima and the elephants - both believed to bring good fortune - are two motifs that dominate her designs.

- MOK - Moe Khadra's subtle yet fashionable pieces have quickly gained the Lebanese designer a reputation for distinguished men's jewellery. The collection has expanded from cufflinks to jewellery as Khadra experiments with twisted wrap around necklaces of concrete, sterling silver and textures of gold and diamonds.

Poupee Couture - Lebanese designer Roula Ghalayini, ranked #14 on Vogue's top 100 handbag designers, creates pieces with strong geometric exterior forms juxtaposed by bright, brilliant colour emanating from underneath. All her designs have an element of colour peeking through either through material layering or her perforated signature Arabesque metal.

- SATISH - Designer Roula Dfouni handcrafts an exquisite collection of contemporary jewellery made of black and white oxidized silver sterling with a touch of rough, uncut coloured gemstones. The silver designs are layered and fused together allowing them to bond but not to completely blend. The uncut, unpolished effect gives each piece its roughness. The geometric origins of the forms are clear in the silhouette but the simplicity is transformed by a gemstone, which gives each piece a distinct personality.

In addition to its Pop-Up Shop, the inaugural FFWD will feature four days of catwalk presentations complemented by a comprehensive programme of workshops, panel discussions and events to elevate the discussion around fashion from the Middle East. FFWD aims to be the region's definitive, bi-annual fashion movement, which enables progressive growth for designers, the retail sector and the industry as a whole.

ameinfo.com

Designer Profile: Bashar Assaf

2013-03-04T14:34:00.000+02:00

Bashar Assaf, our fourth and final designer in the quartet, is a Lebanese fashion designer currently based in Beirut.

His form fitting style and signature prints are definitely an eye catcher. Bashar's debut collection "Metamorphism" is full of wearable pieces inspired by metaphoric rocks. My favorite is the first dress with the elaborate strip running down the back.

The idea behind his label is the ability to challenge the female body with brave geometry complimented with sensibility to material and craftsmanship.

His tendency to accentuate the female form was instilled during Bashar's days living in Jeddah (KSA) where women's garments lack definition of the female form. Returning to Beirut, Bashar studied at Esmod fashion school where he was able to develop his skills and expertise while continuing his personal work. Soon after completing his studies Basher began to work for an array of clients in the commercial and art sectors ranging from music, film, theater and television as designer and stylist between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. His involvement with Starch marks the launch of Bashar's first collection under his own label.

Designer Profile - Hussein Bazaza

2013-03-02T16:32:00.002+02:00

Our lineup of Starch designer's continues with Hussein Bazaza up next. Bazaza's latest collection "Anneliese" is a mix of dramatic cuts, splashed on color and the brocade trend that we've been seeing a lot of on the runway. My favorite is the first dress in the lineup - see-through and black - a wonderful combination. I wouldn't mind accessorizing with a few golden beetles either.

Born in July 1990 in Beirut, Hussein Bazaza is a young Lebanese fashion designer. Before studying fashion design in Esmod, Bazaza experimented in many artistic fields including illustration, photography and artistic direction (photo shoots, TV shows). He was received many awards throughout the completion of his degree of which the Fashion Design Prize ('Prix de Stylisme') for his graduation project in June 2011.

After achieving a double major in Fashion Design and Pattern Making, Bazaza continued with an internship at Maison Rabih Kayrouz in Paris, and then worked for Elie Saab as a junior designer in Beirut. Today Hussein Bazaza is a teaching professor of Fashion Design at ESMOD Beirut. He was selected by the Starch foundation in December 2012 to launch his eponymous line of ready to wear.

Beirut is in the eye of the Beholder: The Building Block Foundation of Fashion

2013-02-15T17:08:00.000+02:00

What a great article on the Beirut fashion scene. Love the part where it talks about how most designers copy each others work, but Starch is breeding originality.

beirutnightlife.com

Wrapped Around Your Not So Little Finger

2013-02-11T09:09:00.001+02:00

Société Perrier is the global enthusiast's source for engaging content and great events. Curating the best in nightlife, art, music, fashion, travel, mixology and cocktail culture, Société Perrier is the trusted arbiter of what's hot around the world. When you see the Société Perrier seal, you know you are in the right place.

Now we have this great resource in Beirut and look who they've featured!

Société Perrier Beirut

Designer Profile: Missak HajiAvedikian

2013-02-01T11:54:00.000+02:00

Missak HajiAvedikian began his fashion career in 2007 after graduating from the prestigious Esmod Beirut. After receiving numerous accolades upon completing his studies, he sought inspiration in the fashion capitals of the world – Paris, Milan, New York. His fantastical but always rational touch stems from his experiences abroad and the valuable insight he gained there.

Missak’s vision for his label was to create a bridge between fairytale and modern femininity. His collections shake up the classic notions of form and function with a series of grand gestures. The first collection “Fractures of Light” unleashed his artistic fury and welcomed the return of drama into couture.

In 2008 “Gorky, The Artist and his Mother” and “Trchoun” (Armenian for bird) debuted as part of Starch Foundation’s premiere season – a new initiative launched by Rabih Kayrouz, to promote Lebanese emerging artists. The following year his winter ready to wear collection shown at “Residence de Linda Sursock” was the combination of refinement and luxury, earning him a cult following among celebrities and fashion editors.

Missak’s deep engagement with art and his Armenian heritage allows him to revisit cultural themes yet again with his latest collection “Shamiram” – the story of an Assyrian Queen and her forsaken love.

Designer Profile: Celine Der Torossian

2013-01-28T17:36:00.000+02:00

Celine Der Torossian's unique take on fashion stems from her diverse background. With so many personal and professional influences, it's no wonder her collection is so eclectic. Her ultra-modern pieces inspire the futuristic goddess in all of us. I'm in love with the open-back jacket and pants number, then again I usually obsess over the backs of clothing more than the front.

Born in 1980, Celine Der Torossian grew up in Beirut, Lebanon. In 2000 she enrolled in ESMOD Beirut to study both fashion design and pattern making. She then moved to Paris to train at ready-to-wear French brand Infinitif, and at Elie Saab’s showroom.

She also completed a one-year degree in Graphic Design at ITECOM Paris in 2004. In 2010, Celine decided to pursue her education by doing a Postgraduate Diploma in fashion design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. She then interned at one of London’s most renowned fashion designers and Ungaro’s artistic director at that time, Giles Deacon. In 2012, Celine returns to Lebanon to launch her brand at smogallery entitled AZADE (which means free in Armenian), in tribute to her Armenian origins. In November 2012, Celine Der Torossian was selected by Starch Foundation to become part of Starch designers 2012-2013.

The Closet Clause - Fashion Blog, Fashion News Daily: One Ring that Travelled From Beirut to Paris

2013-01-23T14:29:00.001+02:00

The Closet Clause - Fashion Blog, Fashion News Daily: One Ring that Travelled From Beirut to Paris: The above is a picture. A Collage! Yes a collage. Anything you notice in it? To some, it might be Isabel Marant , to others it's th...

Lebanon on Instagram

2013-01-23T11:59:00.000+02:00

web.stagram.com

WHY STARCH IN BEIRUT JUST GOT SWEETER | KirstenMeetSimon

2013-01-18T17:51:00.001+02:00

WHY STARCH IN BEIRUT JUST GOT SWEETER | KirstenMeetSimon

L’Orient Le Jour - Ici et Ailleurs - Quelqu’un m’a dit...

2013-01-17T08:18:00.000+02:00

Sevag, Tala, Gilles et Isabel

Le jeune designer Sevag Dilsizian est fier comme un paon, ainsi que Tala Hajjar et sa Starch Fondation, qui l’ont lancé heureux comme Artaban : une des bagues dessinées par Sevag a été choisie par Gilles Khoury comme cadeau à son amie, la créatrice de mode Isabel Marant, qui a affiché illico le bijou sur Instagram, l’une des dernières applications de partage de photos qui fait fureur chez les stars et les fanas de réseaux sociaux. Les « like » et les commentaires sont désormais innombrables... C’est chez Kinugawa, le mythique japonais de Paris, que Gilles a remis son small gift à Isabel, avant qu’ils n’aillent, accompagnés du mari de madame, Jérôme Dreyfus himself, dîner chez Emmanuelle Alt, la rédactrice en chef de Vogue France, en compagnie, entre autres, d’Inès de la Fressange, Gaia Repossi, Ricardo Tisci, Phoebe Philo et Lou Doillon...

ditavonbliss@hotmail.com L'Orient Le Jour
DAS

supernews by superfuture

2013-01-15T13:30:00.000+02:00

superfuture
9 january 2013 by andreas

new shops

tags beirut, starch, store reopening, rabih kayrouz, tala hajjar, solidere, conceptual jewelry ベイルート, スターチ, ラビ・カイルー, タラ・ハジャル, 店オープンした, بيروت‎

http://www.facebook.com/dasjewelry

Daily Star article featuring Sevag Dilsizian: Conceptual Jewelry Designer

2012-12-12T11:35:00.001+02:00

Starch Boutique kicks off futuristic 2013 collection

http://www.facebook.com/dasjewelry

CONCEPTUAL ART : The Jewelry of Sevag Dilsizian

2012-12-11T12:28:00.000+02:00

The celebration of jewelry as art is not ingrained in popular culture. Galleries dedicated to the display of contemporary jewelry collections, such as the exhibits found at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York, are a recent phenomenon. It is the only American museum with a curatorial commitment to jewelry as part of its mission to explore the blur zone between art, design and craft. A disciple of this movement who uses the medium of jewelry to express his ideas is Sevag Dilsizian. His work will be displayed as of December 8^th at STARCH boutique in Saifi Village, Beirut.

Sevag began working in the industry in the early 90’s as a manufacturer’s apprentice. In both Beirut and Los Angeles he perfected his craft, but grew tired of the confines of a rigid system.

“I didn’t enjoy working in a jewelry shop, within glass display cases and lavish items hidden away,” he said. “My aim was to break away from traditional jewelry, to create a bridge between the design and jewelry world. Working with diamonds and gold is very limiting. It’s a closed society - one that does not take many risks.”

After more than 20 years of experience in the field, Sevag was motivated to create his own line so that he could address formal and conceptual challenges beyond the commercial framework of his profession. Over the course of one year, Sevag created his collection “Story Metal (CU)” under the brand name “DAS”.

“My inspiration was my inner struggle. I am trying to create an idea or a thought through each ring therefore understanding the idea is more important than the piece itself,” he said.

Focused mainly on designing rings since according to Sevag, people tend to express themselves with their rings more than any other jewelry item, his intention was to move away from the idea of jewelry solely as luxury and value each ring as expressive artwork. Through the unique use of copper to characterize reality and make it more accessible, he aimed at new perspectives of expression through his work.

THE SPLIT What might seem like a split decision is not always so. It wasn’t the last blow of the hammer that cracked the rock but all that had gone before.

“Designing, on a tiny square centimeter is quite difficult,” he said. “You have to give a small object both conceptual and creative meaning as well as content. Through size, shape and color, I am refining a metal, working with a raw material to create something with a purpose. It may look rough and irregular but every detail and every angle comes together to form a complete idea, like a machine.”

Sevag’s elaborate, handmade series of rings has earned him the post of jewelry designer for Starch Foundation’s 2012|2013 season. Sevag continues to expand his collection, assigning dynamic personalities to each original creation.

For more information please visit
www.facebook.com/dasjewelry

ABOUT STARCH

Founded by Rabih Kayrouz and Tala Hajjar, in collaboration with Solidere, STARCH is a non-profit organization that helps launch Lebanese emerging designers. It is an annual program where a rotation of debut collections by four to six young designers is selected each year.
The designers are guided through the process of developing their collections, as well as promoting them (communication, marketing, branding and press). The collections are presented for a period of one year at the STARCH boutique. Throughout their time at STARCH, the designers are also given the opportunity to participate in design related workshops, seminars and collaborations.
The STARCH boutique is located at 1051 Quartier des Arts, Saifi Village.

For more information please visit http://www.starchfoundation.org

Tasche Expo

2012-07-22T20:27:00.000+03:00

Tasche’s First Exhibition, “Dichotomy” As Part Of Beirut Design Week

Angelique Sabounjian, creator of the Tasche line of leather handbags and accessories, showcased her latest collections, as part of Beirut Design Week. The exhibition took place at Twinklr Design Studio in Gemmeyzeh.
“I’m very excited about taking part in this year’s event,” said Sabounjian. “I also had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion on Women Entrepreneurs, in order to share my experiences and hopefully inspire others to transform passion into a fulfilling sense of purpose.”
Tasche, is a result of Angelique’s passion for design. Launched in 2008 the Beirut-based brand has caused quite a stir for its sophisticated design, attention to detail and feminine charm.
According to Angelique, the inspiration for this event came from the concept of presenting Spring/Summer 2012 and the Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 collections simultaneously, noting that the designs of both collections are identical, yet there is a striking contrast between colours, source of inspiration and elements they each represent. The Angelic collection symbolizes water and earth whereas the Diabolic collection symbolizes wind and fire. Both are entirely different yet they complete each other, under the umbrella of “Dichotomy”.

The Spring/Summer 2012 collection revealed the poetic universe of Angelique’s first introspective collection. Aptly titled "Angelic", the spirit of eclecticism, the pleasure of serenity and the instinct to seek out inner peace, were expressed through contemporary design. Each piece told a story in its own language - the gentle rays of sunshine on an early spring morning, the soft whisper of a breeze in a blooming garden, the aquatic hues of the tranquil Mediterranean Sea were brought together to create a refined harmony of color. Included in the collection were designs inspired by the sweetness of life itself. What followed revealed the darker undercurrents beneath purity and restraint...
The Autumn/Winter 2012 - 2013 collection titled “Diabolic” embodied the woman who is above all confident, clever and a tad bit cunning. She is a gust of wind, the spark of a flame. Both in color and form, we saw the counterpoint to the previous collection. No longer serene but full of strength, the fire and passion for life exudes from within.
“The designs that were chosen for both the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter were selected through the archives of Tasche’s past collections. The selection was based on the popularity of each piece and most of all, its practicality. What made them different from the previous collections is the incorporation of the new Tasche signature which is the pleat,” Sabounjian said. “The inspiration behind the collections is based on the experiences and events that took place during the past year. Being exposed to these circumstances, led me to self-discovery and to be more grounded. Each of the two collections portrays the elements and traits that personify me.”

The new Mondanite

2011-05-26T21:55:00.000+03:00

Why do I have a feeling that this is what I'm gonna find on each and every coffee table, instead of Mondanite aka the Lebanese bible. EgoBook indeed!

The Haagen-Dazs Middle East website - A proud moment for mama!

2011-05-04T22:44:00.000+03:00

Finally, after months of waiting, my crowning achievement has gone live. A brand I love meets the thing I love to do most - write. As a copywriter, there's something magical when you can see your words come to life online. I'm particularly happy about the Haagen-Dazs Moments section because it was conceived, developed and written entirely by me. No other Haagen-Dazs website has a section like it and the moments are almost all personal. Now, if I can only get them to give me a lifetime supply of Coffee ice cream, this would be the best project I've ever done.http://www.haagendazs.ae/

CH Carolina Herrera opening at Beirut Souks

2011-04-12T23:33:00.000+03:00

What an elegant woman she is. Besides the clothes and accessories being fabulous,

she was a delight!

Beirut's own Carolina Herrera and my best friend Angelique. What's a party without my Ange? The purse I'm carrying is one of her designs. Tasche is the brand and it's fab.

I think I was four or five months pregnant at the time. How sad is that. I was thinner then than I am now.