Comparison between fashion industry in Lebanon and Dubai
In the contemporary world, fashion and design has become a major aspect of global culture. Particularly, fashion has flourished in many parts of the world. This reflects change in terms of perspectives and perceptions that fashion in the . Of particular interest is fashion industry in Middle East and other parts of Asia.
Despite different convictions, views and culture, fashion in Middle East has thrived amid strong religious practices and resistance. This essay explores fashion industry of Lebanon. The paper will highlight some of the major fashion designers in the country and draw conclusions on whether or not Lebanese fashion has flourished.
Besides, the conclusion of the paper will make a comparison between fashion industry in Lebanon and Dubai. This will not only provide a glimpse of Lebanese fashion but also enhance our knowledge on the intrinsic aspects of the country that makes its fashion industry irresistible to the rest of the world.
Lebanon Fashion Designers
Lebanon is renowned for exemplar fashion designers. Elie Saab is an iconic fashion designer with design shops located in Beirut and other parts of the world. Born in 1964, interest in fashion and began sewing at a tender age of nine years. In 1981, Saab attended fashion and design training in Paris and gained knowledge and style that were critical for his career (Carnegy 79).
He returned to Beirut where he opened a fashion and design workshop. At the age of 18, Elie Saab had already launched his label and was able to start a designer shop. His initial fashion designs included wedding gowns and dresses. He to exhibit designs that represented a shift from conventional Lebanese culture to a more liberal and global-accepted culture.
Despite his early ambitions, his work gained global acceptance in 1997 when he became a member of Camera Nazionale della Moda (McKelvey and Munslow 31). Consequently, he was able to ensure that his collections typify numerous fashion shows across the world.
It is important to note that Elie Saab is a major fashion designer who has been able to integrate eastern and western cultures. Use of such materials such as taffeta and satin has allowed the designer to come up with light gowns and wedding dresses. This in turn has led to recognition of his designs globally. His most memorable moment was in 2002.
Saab made history when he became the first designer not only in Lebanon but also in the entire Middle East to dress an Oscar winner (McKelvey and Munslow 301). Particularly, Saab dressed Halle Berry making his designs an instant success then and in the following years. Consequently, he became a member of Chambre Syndicale de in Paris (Carnegy 129).
To that end, Saabs designs and fashion collections have become popular across the world. This in turn has allowed him to become one of the most recognized fashion designers having dressed over a hundred celebrities at the end of 2010. His business has also expanded across the region and the entire world. Particularly, he has opened over sixty outlets across the world.
To diversify his collection, Saab launched his maiden perfume known as Le Parfum in 2012. The fragrance became an instant seller. According to McKelvey and Munslow, the perfume became the best seller in over fifteen countries across the world (162). It is imperative to restate that Elie Saab is a global and impressive fashion designer. Among the celebrities he has dressed are Beyonce, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera and Rihanna.
Another renowned Lebanese fashion designer is Zuhair Murad. Unlike Saab, Murad is relatively younger having been born in 1971. He studied fashion in Paris where he achieved a degree in fashion and design. Upon his return to Lebanon, Murad opened his first shop in Beirut. He made his debut in fashion when he appeared on catwalks of Italy.
His of many designers and became a characteristic of fashion shows in Italy. Murad has been able to sustain his collection to the satisfaction of a myriad of clients. Mainly, he specializes in ready to wear clothes, eyewear and other accessories that are pertinent to the fashion industry (Hywel 28).
Although his fashion line grew in a modest rate, he has diversified his line to include lingerie and perfumes. In 2008, he opened two boutiques outside Lebanon. Like Saab, one of the shops is in Milan while the other one is located in Paris (Carnegy 67). He also has many showrooms that target fashion events such as New York Fashion Week.