Lebanon has given the world many phenomenal fashion designers like Elie Saab, Zuheir Mrad, Nicolas Gebran, Georges Chakra, Reem Acra, Andrea Wazen, and many more who have amazed the world with their creative designs.
Now, an almost-new name comes to join the list of outstanding Lebanese designers: Steven Khalil, whose parents emigrated from Lebanon to settle in Australia.
Today, labeled by many as “The New Elie Saab,” Steven Khalil is recognized as one of Australia’s leading designers specializing in red carpet and bridal gowns.
Steven Khalil was raised in Campbelltown Western Sydney by his mother, along with his siblings.
From a young age, he was fascinated by the top French couturiers, like Dior and Channel, and the beauty of draped fabrics, which led him to pursue a career in his passion.
At the age of 11, he had his first sewing machine and began making small items, such as dolls’ clothes and scrunchies. Later on, at 19, Khalil finished his studies in Fashion Design and was on a head-start with his career.
After working through small jobs at boutiques, he finally managed to secure a steady position at Double Bay’s well known bridal boutique, Mark Holt Bridal.
He became Head Designer after working for 7 years straight at Mark Holt Bridal, which had allowed him to refine his skills and gain extensive experience in the field.
In 2003, Khalil took off on his own. He launched his brand “Steven Khalil – SK” in Sydney, Australia, and his popularity has been expanding ever since.
His modern takes on unique European couture, the quality of his craftsmanship, and his taste for novel and sophisticated designs have brought him to become the center of attention in the fashion industry.
At 27, Khalil has already succeeded in bringing his designs to fame, both locally and internationally.
In his own admission, Khalil recognized having made several mistakes in his career, yet he overcame them fast enough to get back on track and get his designs on elites.
He soon became an A-list designer after showcasing his work in the United States where celebrities and social influencers sought him for the elegance and intricate details of his red carpet dresses.
Among the celebrities and influencers who beautifully done his designs are Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Aboud, and Jennifer Lahmers, among many others.
From the red carpet in the US, Khalil’s fame took off to reach the royalties.
Soon after his Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) in 2017, Princess Olympia of Greece reached out to him for one of his MBFW designs that she wore on her 21st birthday.
In addition to his bridal and couture designs, Steven Khalil allocates his refined skills to jewelry, having his own jewelry line to match his sophisticated gowns.
And his creativity is not stopping to expand. He has also created an SK’s signature scent, a white floral Eau de Parfum that promises to be ‘the bride perfume.’
“Formulated with only the finest oils and extracts, the perfume delivers a sparkling cool opening, softened with sultry peach.”
Steven Khalil is also a philanthropist. In 2017, he collaborated with Project Futures to help women and young children in Australia and Cambodia who are exposed to human trafficking, slavery, and sexual exploitation.
Here are some more of Steven Khalil’s exceptional bridal and red carpet designs:
