Paris Fashion Week 2019 is considered to be one of the biggest events of this month. It’s this French luxurious event which takes place twice a year attracting all designers and fashionistas eagerly waiting to see the latest collections straight-off-the runway. Having began on Monday the 21st of January, and ends on the 24th. It will feature a number of amazing Arab designers who are proudly representing the region!
Here’s the line-up of this years fashion week straight from the runaway so you can keep track with what’s happening.
The 21st of January; Arab designers that are featured at the Haute Couture 2019 Spring-Summer fashion collection:
Georges Hobeika
First, in today’s line-up, we have Georges Hobeika, a Lebanese fashion designer who’s brand, that specializes in both haute couture and ready to wear clothing, is internationally recognized. In his early days, right after he graduated from university, he moved to Paris and worked as an intern in several fashion houses including Channel.
In 2001, Hobeika had his first show in Paris, and in December 2012 Hobeika began receiving worldwide recognition, when the former Miss USA was crowned as Miss Universe; she won the title wearing a Georges Hobeika gown for the final evening gown segment of the competition. Since then, Hobeika has showed his couture collection in every biannual Paris Couture Fashion Week.
One of Hobeika’s recent best looks was his Fall 2018 couture gown, when the lawyer and TV host Jessica Kahawaty wore it as she hosted the first Ball of Arabia at Burj El-Arab in December 2018.
Tony Ward Couture
Tony Ward, a Lebanese-Italian fashion designer whose pieces are displayed at about 60 different stores around the world. In 2004, he presented his first couture fashion show in Rome titled ‘Eden’, which he ended up grabbing the attention of the Italian and international press, as well as celebrities.
His gown was worn by Whitney Houston in 2010 for the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Honors, and later the gown was exhibited at the Grammy Museum. Also, his dress was worn by Pink in the same year at the Grammy Awards and was displayed at the Limited/Unlimited exhibition.
Maison Rabih Kayrouz
The third in the line-up, we have Rabih, a Lebanese fashion designer. He’s the founder of the fashion house Maison Rabih Kayrouz founded in Paris in 2008. Also, in the same year, he co-founded a non-profit organization called the Starch Foundation to help the young Lebanese designers launch and promote their own collections. From 2009 to this day, Rabih has been a guest designer at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute, with his seasonal collection included in the biannual Paris Haute Couture fashion week. In 2011, he was also selected by Elle Magazine as the “Emerging New Talent”.
He has been praised for his use of style code “know-how” in creating ready to wear collections that highly completes the urban life style.
Dany Atrache
The fourth for today’s line-up, we have Dany, a Lebanese-French fashion designer who’s considered to be one of the leading designers in the MENA region. After working for more than 12 years in Paris with the top French fashion houses like Dior and Montana, he decided to return back to Lebanon and turn his dream into reality. He managed to launch his own couture line back in 2000. With his creativity and ambition, his stunning collection was premiered in his first runway show in Beirut. In no time, he was dressing the stars and celebrities of the Arab world.
With his “East meets West” style and his touch of elegance, he always succeeds in mesmerizing his audience with his lavish designs. Dany managed to be at the forefront of influential fashion designers; earlier this year he finally opened his first boutique in Beirut featuring a wide range of ready to wear collections, as well as trendy accessories.
For day two’s line-up at the Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week, we have:
Rami Kadi
Our first Arab designer for the second day’s line-up is the amazing Rami Kadi, a Lebanese-American fashion designer. With his mixed background, he succeeded to merge both Eastern and Western styles with his designs making him a one of a kind designer! From an early age, he discovered his passion for arts and design; he attended several workshops discovering fabrics and different materials. Due to his attention to details, his success was immediate. In 2011, at the age of 25 only, he launched his own studio and opened his first boutique in the heart of Beirut.
He became a true celebrit sweetheart for Arab and international stars like JLO, Myriam Faris, Ahlam, and Maya Diab.
And for January 23rd’s line-up, we have
Elie Saab
Elie Saab needs no introduction. His main workshop is in Lebanon, along with his two other workshops in Milan and Paris. He started his career in the early 1980s specializing in only bridal couture. In 2006, he became the first Arab member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. He also appeared as a judge on Project Runway: Middle East 2016. Moreover, as of 2017, Saab managed to launch his collection in Paris, London, and Beirut, along with his ready to wear clothes, which were distributed in his boutique and in 160 other retailers.
His first international shot to fame was in 2002 after he became the first Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner, Halle Barry. Saab also served as one of the designers who created Beyonce’s outfits in the 2007 Beyonce’s Experience Tour.
Zuhair Murad
The second in the line-up, we have Zuhair Murad, the world acclaimed Lebanese fashion designer. In 1999, he had his first appearance on catwalks in Rome; his collection led him to participate in the Italian calendar. Later, his line was extended to offer haute couture, accessories, and ready to wear clothes. Many celebrities wear his designs and gowns both from the Arab world and internationaly such as Emily Blunt, Chrissy Teigen, and many more.
January 24th, last day of Paris Fashion Week, we have amazing Arab designers in the line-up:
AZZI & OSTA
This designer duo never fails to amaze me! With their 18 months internship with Elie Saab himself, they were all set to take over the world with their signature style! With their diplomas and awards, they landed the positions of assistant designers at Ellie Saab Fashion House. Many international celebrities wear their designs, such as Abu Shakra and Kelly Rowland.
And as the saying goes, always save the best for last, here is the final designer for the entire line-up!
Rami Al-Ali
He’s a Syrian fashion designer based in Dubai. His passion for style and fashion began at an early age. He enrolled himself in the College of Fine Aarts, and due to the institute’s inspiration, Rami decided to produce and design a fashion show for his final graduation project which astounded his professors and colleagues. After that, Rami managed to launch his brand name as a well-known label that is recognized by many celebrities. It’s worth mentioning that stars like Angham and Tamara Jamal wear his designs. Because of his hard work and ambition, he managed to reach the recognition he deserved, and be part of this years Paris Fashion week!
