12 Lebanese Creatives That Need To Be On Your Radar
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia shines a spotlight on both Lebanon’s burgeoning and renowned talent that inspires well beyond the country’s own borders
Bazaar Arabia shares a list of Lebanese creatives that you should be following.
Elie Fahed (@eliefahed), Film Director
With a pocket full of dreams and a head brimming with ideas, film director Elie Fahed captivates audiences with a sincere approach to storytelling, complemented by his signature style. From fashion films and advertisements to star-powered music videos, Elie is constantly expanding his bag of tricks through a subtle aesthetic sensibility and an emphasis on relatability.
Joumana Haddad (@jhaddadofficial), Journalist and Human Rights Activist
This award-winning author, journalist and human rights activist is a celebrated cultural gamechanger. With more than 15 books under her belt including I Killed Scheherazade and The Third Sex, she has championed freedom, gender equality and secularism for over two decades. Her eponymous youth-centered organisation acts as a socio-intellectual laboratory advancing principles of citizenship, parity, tolerance and social justice.
Carl Gerges (@carlgerges), Musician and Architect
From renowned musician to award-winning architect, Carl embarked on a journey of self-discovery to repurpose his creativity and was met with stellar success across both fields. The former Mashrou’ Leila drummer helped redefine the region’s alternative music scene through works that translated into socio-political commentary. His self-titled architecture and design studio boasts exceptional projects including Villa Chams in Baalbek and Capo Boutique Hotel in Batroun.
Lara Zankoul (@larazankoul), Visual Artist
Interdisciplinary visual artist Lara is one of the biggest names in the business, with a cutting-edge vision enhanced by surrealist influences. Self-taught, she bought her first camera at 21 and hasn’t stopped creating magic ever since, be it in fashion, fine art photography, 3D animation or NFTs. This Lebanese talent is known for her dreamlike tableaus, she is the mastermind behind this issue’s underwater shoot.
Nadim Cherfan (@nadimcherfan), Choreographer
Choreographer Nadim rose to fame as the founder of all-female alternative dance crew The Mayyas, which became the first Middle Eastern act to win America’s Got Talent in 2022 – they took home the Arabs Got Talent title and reached Britain’s Got Talent’s semi-finals too. Putting together hypnotic precision routines that mesmerised viewers around the world, his troupe also shared the stage with Beyoncé for the opening of Atlantis the Royal.
Nour Flayhan (@nouriflayhan), Illustrator
This mountain girl turned illustrator has mastered the art of visual storytelling through striking compositions that echo her cultural heritage, giving her the freedom to both transmit and reconnect with her roots. Sought after by brands including Gucci, Nour explores themes of representation, mysticism, nature and nostalgia, with an emphasis on the emotional draw between everyday objects and the human spirit.
Amar Sibai (@amarsibai), Architect and Digital Creator
Lebanese architect and digital creator Amar has captivated regional audiences with her personal style and innovative approach to content-making. Through her online platforms she fuses architectural studies and fashion sensibilities into an inspiring visual experience.
Vinty Mazraany (@vintyfromthe80s), Photographer, Filmmaker and Creative Director
With an exceptional flair for heartfelt storytelling, photographer, filmmaker and creative director Vinty creates immersive visual experiences. From photography series and video projects to AI and filter creation, his arsenal of ideas is always brimming with innovation.
Yasmina Hilal (@yasminahilal_), Photographer
Analogue photography and collage are at the heart of Yasmina’s craft. Constantly experimenting with compositions and techniques, she plays around with mixed media and unconventional objects to create visually striking work that piques curiosity while stimulating the senses.
Fouad Tadros (@fouadtadros), Photographer
Endlessly fascinated by extremes of harmony and dissonance, theatricality and spontaneity and contrast versus colour, Dubai-based photographer Fouad treads the lines of fashion and beauty with grace. He stands behind the lens of this cover and has shot two editorials for July/ August issue.
Zeina Mechaalany (@makeupabuserrr), Makeup Artist
With expressive artistry and sharply defined lines, Dubai-based make-up queen Zeina elevates fashion editorials and campaigns through her keen eye for detail. She honed her craft by working alongside Mohammed Hindash and is known for her high-profile collaborations.
Vanessa Abboud (@vanessaabboud), DJ
Known for her vibrant beats and distinctive aesthetic, Lebanese DJ Vanessa has a talent for mixing sounds and colours. She’s headlined events at some of the country’s hottest venues and worked with luxury brands like Jimmy Choo, in addition to launching her own clothing line under the moniker VNSA.
Images: Instagram. Photography: Sophia Khalifeh, Eddy Vittin
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s July/August 2023 Issue