Rabih Kayrouz, one of the country’s most established designers has launched a series of events to support a new generation of fashion designers.

Saturday, August 16th: Catwalk show in Faraya-Mzaar
For the past two months, Kayrouz and his team have been working hard assisting the collections of four young designers: Krikor Jaboutian, Missak Avedikian, Rami Kadi and Lara Khoury, who will be showing next Saturday, to a crowd in Faraya. “I chose these designers not only because I like them, but because they are all very different. It will be a pleasure to see how far they’ve grown, 10 years from now” explains Kayrouz.
Jaboutian has created a fun sophisticated collection inspired by his single girlfriends living in Beirut “such a phenomenon in this city!” Missak’s collection uses images from the Armenian artist Arshile Gorky's masterpiece “Mother and Child.” “I’m dealing with the figure of the mother in fashion.”  Khoury, mixes pieces inspired by the Austrian artist Gustave Klimt with more abstract pieces, using black, white and grey. Finally, Rami Kadi pays homage to the great masters of couture, with a chic collection based on opulent fabrics and generous cuts.
Fashion show starts at 5pm sharp in the gardens of Faraya-Mzaar

Friday, October 10: Opening of ephemeral store in Beirut’s New Souk
While Beirut’s Comme des Garcons’ guerrilla store is closing its doors this summer, Rabih Kayrouz believes Beirut could do with a similar space, specifically created to showcase young designers.  Starting in October, a boutique in downtown Beirut’s gleaming new souk (courtesy of Solidere) will showcase the work of fresh talents, whether they work in fashion, industrial design, photography or even architecture. Each will be showcased for a period of 6 months “before they fly with their own wings” explains Kayrouz, who will act as a creative director.  And rather than trying to be commercial, Kayrouz wants these designers to create limited editions that will hopefully launch their careers. Now that’s what we call a great initiative.
Downtown Beirut’s new souks in Bab Edriss will open in October 2008

October 2008 will also be the 10th anniversary of Maison Rabih Kayrouz, so keep your heads up for a major event in Beirut. www.maisonrabihkayrouz.com