A host of established and emerging brands have donated clothes and accessories in order to raise money for those affected by the Beirut explosion
In August, a devastating explosion in Beirut left 200 dead, 6,500 injured and an estimated 300,000 homeless in a man-made disaster the likes of which Lebanon had never seen before. French-Lebanese sisters Laura and Sophie Tabet and Ulysse Sabbag were moved into action following the blast, partnering with fellow Lebanese creatives Flavie Audi and Emilie Kareh to launch Beirut Re-Store, an online marketplace raising vital funds for the city through the sale of fashion, art, photography and lifestyle items, donated by over 120 creatives from around the world – including Jamie Hawkesworth, Jonathan Anderson, Rafael Pavarotti, and more.
The team behind Beirut Re-Store have partnered with non-profit organisation Creatives For Lebanon for its latest project – a sale of bespoke designs created exclusively by an international roster of established and emerging brands, which will go live at 4pm (GMT) today. The impressive line-up includes one-off creations by Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Supriya Lele, Alaïa, Christian Louboutin, Heron Preston, M Missoni, Acne, GCDS, Mary Katrantzou, and more. Each label was asked to either create something entirely new or reimagine a well-loved design for the initiative, which is raising money for LIFE Generation USA, a charity providing immediate aid in the wake of the blast while raising funds for education through scholarship programmes. In addition, Creatives For Lebanon has collaborated with artist Luke Edward Hall to create illustrations of the designs, which are also available to shop from today.
“Since my very first visit to Beyrouth, Lebanon is dear to my heart,” Christian Louboutin said in a statement. “Do I need to explain or mention the legendary warmth and the hospitality so linked to this country? I don’t think so! Those who know and have been to Lebanon do not need any explanation for loving this country and its inhabitants.” “I’m beyond happy to contribute with M Missoni to this noble project developed by some of the most brilliant people in the international creative industry,” Margherita Missoni added. “What happened in Lebanon in August is horrifying and we all should feel the responsibility to take concrete actions to support a country and a population that is experiencing its worst economic crisis since the civil war.”
With Beiruit Re-Store running until January next year, Creatives For Lebanon are planning another release of specially-created items in December. “We are thrilled to partner with CFL, a talented group of Lebanese creatives, who are joining our collective with one shared objective – to support the reconstruction of Beirut,” says Beirut Re-Store of the partnership. “It’s been incredibly heartening to see the outpouring of support from our creative community from around the world to create bespoke pieces for our first initiative with Beirut Re–Store,” adds Creatives for Lebanon. “We are grateful for everyone’s support, and this is just the beginning.”
Explore Beirut Re-Store’s new collection here and see a full list of contributors below.
Acne, Alaïa, Aquazzura, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Emilia Wickstead, Esteban Cortazar, Foo and Foo x Lea Colombo, GCDS, Gabriela Hearst, Heron Preston, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jennifer Chamandi, Kar ‘Bourj Hammoud’, La Terre Est Folle, Le Nine, Luke Edward Hall, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, Manos de Uruguay, Mary Katrantzou, M Missoni, Mira Mikati, Muzungu Sisters, One love Beirut, Paravel, Racil, Rudi Gernreich, Sandra Mansour, Supriya Lele, and Zankov.
