Beirut is famous for being the capital of fashion in the Middle East and one of the major
hubs in the world. Lebanon gave birth to many
world-renowned fashion designers
such as Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad whose dresses steal the spotlight at the red carpets. Many Lebanese people are full of creativity and have the potential to become successful designers. However, due to their financial situation, they might not be able to afford the expensive tuition of design schools.
Fashion design meets social justice
Sarah Hermez, a Lebanese expat, wanted to give people who are passionate about fashion but do not have the ability to pursue a degree the unique chance to study design for free. A graduate of Eugene Lang College in New York, Sarah wants to spread her love for design in any way she can. In addition to that, Sarah is passionate about social justice. Sarah believes that the fashion industry is reserved for the elites since design schools are expensive. However, creativity should not be limited. Sarah thinks that people from all backgrounds should be given the opportunity to enter the world of fashion. With the help of her college professor, she founded Creative Space Beirut (CSB), which is a free design school in Beirut. CSB offers a 3-year program in fashion design to students who come from different backgrounds and cities in Lebanon. It’s an intensive program where students are required to attend classes fives days a week from 10 AM until 6 PM. Since the school runs on funds, starting it was hard. However, Sarah believed that making CSB a sustainable institution is the best way to continue the program. The designs that the students create are sold in exhibitions. All the generated income is invested in CSB. CSB has collaborated with 12 local and international designers thanks to its program which fosters creativity. In addition to that, 5 CSB students were among the 60 students in Lebanon who have participated in a local fashion competition. Two CSB students ranked first and second. Applications for 2018 academic year are open. Classes begin in February and end in November. For more information about CSB, click
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