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Beirut, often hailed as the creative capital of the Middle East, has long been home to important designers like Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and Georges Hobeika, all regular names on the Paris Fashion Week schedule. The Lebanese city has a rich history and a vibrant talent pool, but it has also faced countless challenges, from civil war and political upheaval to the devastating 2020 explosion that injured thousands.
Beirut’s most recent challenge comes as airstrikes target Hezbollah (a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party) in the midst of the ongoing Middle East crisis centring around the Gaza-Israel conflict. As a result, Lebanese creatives have once again found themselves in the middle of a war. The wider regional fashion community has expressed their support. “There is now an even greater desire, particularly in the Middle East, to champion homegrown talent,” says Marilena Hadgianni, director of brand marketing at Chalhoub Group, which manages UAE-based concept store Tryano.
Tania Fares, co-founder of Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA), was born in Lebanon and raised in Paris. She believes emerging Lebanese talent needs global support now more than ever. The FTA Prize, which shines a halo on emerging talent from the Middle East and North Africa region, will therefore go ahead as normal on 24 October in Morocco. “The decision to move forward with this year’s event was a difficult one, but the FTA felt it was essential to continue. By hosting the event, we aim to shine a spotlight on the region, particularly Lebanon,” she explains.
To better understand how Beirut-based designers are coping with the current situation, we spoke with four creatives about their experiences.
Hussein Bazaza, an award-winning designer and former FTA Prize finalist known for his fabric manipulation and intricate eveningwear, has been navigating these difficult times with a deep sense of purpose. “We were in the midst of working on our festive collection since before the airstrikes. The collection is inspired by propaganda and the current state of the world, and now this message is more important,” Bazaza shares. “I incorporated elements symbolising rebirth amid chaos, which feels very poignant right now.” The shoot is now on hold until the situation calms down, so that the talent required can travel safely.
Production has slowed due to restricted mobility and heightened security concerns, yet the label is known for its bespoke pieces and everything made on order. “We are trying to finish orders in time and in advance in case the situation deteriorates.” He adds: “Our focus has shifted towards helping those displaced by the conflict. We’ve repurposed fabrics to provide warmth and converted one of our studios into a temporary shelter for those who’ve lost their homes.”
Azzi Osta, the design duo known for their sculpted silhouettes and fine, structured fabrics, remain steadfast in their creative journey. George Azzi and Assaad Osta, both graduates of Esmod Beirut, have built a couture and ready-to-wear label beloved by well-known figures including Queen Rania of Jordan and actress Kaley Cuoco. “The first day of the events in Beirut, we were in the studio shooting our latest Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection, inspired by the joy of travel,” says Azzi. “We managed to finish the shoot in Beirut and present the collection at Paris Fashion Week, where it was positively received by buyers worldwide.” The shoot was completed on a quick turnaround time, as the team were unsure how things would progress; it was also carried out in a safe area, with a contingency plan in place in case of any escalation.
“The instability has shaped our creative process. It forces us to channel our emotions into our work, turning struggle into art. This is the core of creativity — transforming adversity into something beautiful,” says Osta. The duo remains closely connected to other Beirut-based designers, finding strength in their shared experiences. “We’re looking forward to more collaborative projects that highlight our culture and foster connection,” says Azzi.
L’Atelier Nawbar, a jewellery brand with four generations of heritage, is now helmed by sisters Tania and Dima Nawbar. Their creations fuse traditional Lebanese craftsmanship with modern, narrative-driven design. “This time has been especially hard — full-scale war in the heart of our city,” says Dima. “At first, it was difficult to bounce back, but the energy and the determination of our team kept us going. We have deadlines, and we’re committed to meeting them. Instead of hiding from the sounds of drones and bombs, our team pushed through and made their way to the office.”
However, the emotional toll is undeniable. “The global community has been empathetic, offering extra time to meet deadlines, but there’s a stark realisation that the world keeps moving forward while we feel stuck in time,” Dima says. As a country, Lebanon faces wars, bombings, capital control and civil unrest every few years, but Dima says this is what makes their resolve even stronger. “This is where we are from, and it’s important to continue pushing forward, giving back to the wonderful people who are part of our team. Abandoning our home is not an option, so our will and strength to persevere must be even stronger to lead the way.”
The sisters have had to pause some Lebanon-based pop-up activations, but their determination to continue is unwavering. “We don’t stop at any cost — the show must go on.” Based in Dubai, Lebanese Karen Wazen is a prominent influencer and entrepreneur known for her eponymous eyewear brand. Earlier this year, she expanded her business by launching a jewellery line and is looking to evolve her brand into a comprehensive accessory label. Amid her success, Wazen is also using her platform of over eight million Instagram followers to speak out on social issues. In the wake of recent airstrikes, she posted: “From the moment we were born, war has been our reality.”
Wazen is currently working on a donation campaign aimed at providing winter clothing to displaced families in Lebanon. “In times like these, it feels more important than ever to align my work with initiatives that help my community,” she tells Vogue Business. She urges the Lebanese diaspora to support NGOs operating on the ground in Lebanon.
Despite the challenges, Wazen remains focused on growing her brand. “Before these recent tragedies, I was working on expanding my eyewear line and collaborating on projects that celebrate Lebanese craftsmanship,” she explains. While the situation has affected her deeply, she is determined to push forward, now with a renewed sense of purpose. “It’s about more than just creating — it’s about honouring my country and using my platform to give back.”
Wazen is proud of Beirut’s rich creative culture, noting that the city’s resilience and blend of cultures foster a unique environment for innovation. She believes that Beirut’s constant adaptation and creative spirit shine through even in the darkest times. Though emotionally and physically drained by the recent events, Wazen sees a powerful lesson in the resilience of Beirut’s design community, saying, “It’s a reminder that even in the toughest times, we are stronger when we stand together.”
There are many lessons to be learned from Beirut’s design community, including how creativity can flourish in times of crisis. This resilience emerges when the fashion community supports one another and gives back to the country that shaped them, using their voices to amplify the struggles of their homeland. However, what Lebanese designers are truly seeking at this moment is support from the wider fashion industry, especially from Arab communities. This backing is crucial to help them not only survive these challenging times, but to ensure that their creativity and craftsmanship continue to thrive on the global stage.
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