12 Lebanese Made It To Forbes List Of Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands 2020
"Women of Lebanese origin top our lists."
~Forbes
Forbes "Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands 2020" shone the light on 40 female creators who managed to survive the pandemic, sustain their brands, and push the boundaries despite the hardships.
It is especially significant because Lebanese people, after all, were deeply affected by the economic crisis that had been looming since last year which sparked the October 17 Revolution.
Among all the brilliant women on Forbes's list, Lebanese top the list with the most entries of women per country.
"Women of Lebanese origin top our lists," stated Forbes, and here they are:
#1 Reem Acra
@reemacra
Ranking #2 on Forbes’s list, Lebanese-American designer Reem Acra established her brand in New York in 1997. Over two decades later, her brand is a symbol of success.
Her designs have shone out on the red carpet on many occasions, worn by Hollywood A-listers, including Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé.
#2 Nada Ghazal
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In the jewelry category, Nada Ghazal runs a special business that ranked #5 on Forbes's list.
First launched as "Nada G" in 2003, Ghazal rebranded to "Nada Ghazal Fine Jewelry" last year. Celebrities such as Olivia Palermo, Miley Cyrus, Jada Pinkett Smith, Nancy Ajram, and Wael Kfoury are among her many customers.
#3 Gemy Maalouf
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Since starting in Beirut in 1996, Maalouf's fashion presence has grown to fashion capitals such as Milan, Paris, and New York.
According to Forbes, Gemy Maalouf's designs are "distributed in 48 different countries worldwide, and more than 150 brand boutiques."
Gemy Maalouf
American celebrities Lady Gaga, Kesha, Helene Segara, and Carmen Electra have worn from her designs.
#4 Andrea Wazen
Andrea Wazen
After training under the hands of Rupert Sanderson and Christian Louboutin, Wazen began her footwear brand in 2013.
Her fashionable shoe designs have been seen on many celebrities , including Katy Perry, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hailey Bieber, Emilia Clarke, Demi Lovato, and Demi Moore.
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She launched in Beirut where her designs are also produced, supporting local livelihoods. Unfortunately, she was one of many designers whose stores, workshops, or homes were impacted by the blast.
#5 Sandra Mansour
H&M via Vogue Arabia | REUTERS/Regis Duvignau
In 2010, Mansour launched her own fashion brand after working for renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab.
Today, her ready-to-wear pieces are worn around the world and even by celebrities. Both Lady Gaga and Gigi Hadid have worn her designs.