A_Designer_Profile_2
Beirut-born Tarek Sinno is testimony to his hometown’s rebirth as “The fashion capital of the Middle East”

by Sarah dE Brun

Beirut’s fashion market dates back at least to the 16th century, as Italian and French merchants of the day traveled there for the area’s famed lavish patterns, craftsmanship, and fabrics. But, as with so much of the enterprise in this beautiful capital city, thoughtful clothing design ground to a halt during the 15 years of on-again, off-again conflict that was the Lebanese Civil War. Since the end of hostilities in 1990, this sector has been coming back slowly, boosted immeasurably when Halle Berry walked up to accept her Oscar in 2002 wearing Lebanese designer Elie Sabb’s sheer maroon dress. More creativity followed, at the hands of Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra and Rabih Kayrouz, to name a few, and now the city’s high-end clothing making business is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. (The Middle East alone accounts for one third of global haute couture clients and $8 billion spent on luxury goods.)

Tarek Sinno’s family is best known for its textile dynasty, and also for being one of Beirut’s oldest families. He was raised in the thick of fashion, working with fabric from a young age and eventually started his own atelier at 20.

Sinno’s creations are not meant for sitting in or blending into the crowd. They are exquisitely embroidered works of artistry that demand a spotlight—honoring the shape of a woman’s curves thanks to precise placing of opulent fabrics. Each collection reintroduces his renowned trademarks: a form-fitting hourglass silhouette with a mermaid hem; a traditional, show-stopping ball gown skirt; and strategically placed embroidered appliqués floating atop delicate translucent material.

What works in Sinno’s favor, as well as for other famous Lebanese designers, is that his country’s women have more rights and freedom than those in other parts of the Arab world (skirts, tanktops, and flip-flops abound). With the power to wear what they please comes designs that teeter on the edge of—dare we say—provocativeness.

While Tarek Sinno Couture is worthy of red carpet events and formal affairs, there is always room to grow. Some may say a designer’s couture collection is not complete without closing with a bridal gown, and now that’s something Sinno can strike off his list—recently debuting a bridal collection that promises to make any woman feel like royalty.

In collections leading up to winter, monochromatic palettes, jewel tones, and vibrant colors have taken the lead, but the designer wraps up this year with a collection known as “Nightfall Petals.” His inspiration for the contrasting, black-and-white collection?

Northwell B22 SPREAD

“It’s that time of the day where the flower petals transform into subtle silhouettes,” he explained. “Preparing to transcend to the glamorous evenings full of beauty and allure.”

We couldn’t have put it better.

Tarek Sinno
tareksinno.com