A Design Tour of Lebanon

Sophie Maxwell of the design and brand image shop Pearlfisher has introduced Creativity to some of the most inspiring designers emerging from Beirut, Lebanon. Maxwell finds Beirut to offer an “unexpectedly harmonious fusion of stylish edginess and charismatic sophistication” – it is, after all, otherwise known as the “Paris of the East”.  Maxwell also offer some insights for brands looking to engage with consumers within this landscape and culture:

“The city of Beirut remains an almost unbelievable mixture of pristine new builds springing up next to ragged teardowns, meaning global brands don’t jostle for space here, rather they are framed by the stark landscape and this makes them seem more contemporary and edgy than they do nestled safely on 5th Avenue or Bond Street. But, creativity isn’t all imported here. New, and particularly premium, brands are in a prime position to build themselves self-styled temples. The standard for brand building here is meticulous and the challenge for any agency bringing its western ways is to retain the reason for their appointment – their simplicity and pragmatism perhaps- whilst not overtly westernizing or homogenizing.”

Among the designers emerging from Beirut are calligraphist Nadine Chahine, designer of the typeface koufiya.  Koufiya was created in both Latin and Arabic simultaneously, so “the two scripts can coexist”.

Graphic designer Rana Salam focuses on high fashion, hospitality, design, interiors and exhibitions for clients including Paul Smith, the V&A and le comptoir libanais.

Design shop Orient 499,  an atelier of traditional and contemporary handicrafts from Lebanon.

The restaurant Alfalamanki was modeled after a typical house in a Lebanese village, and creates the world of this fictional character Khalil Al-Falamanki. His Cadillac is parked outside and the menu features his ‘life story’, including meetings with Sophia Loren and Aristotle Onasis.  Delicious food and Arguileh (hubble-bubble pipes) invites guests to while away outdoor afternoons in traditional Lebanese social style.

[via Creativity Online]