A New Initiative Has Been Launched To Support Beirut Creatives Affected By The Blast. Here’s How You Can Help

‘United for Lebanese Creatives’ will provide financial relief to 39 participating designers and artists

Starting over again from scratch is always hard no matter the circumstances, yet Beirut’s creative community is determined to rebuild what it lost in the tragic explosion which occurred in the city’s port less than two weeks ago on August 4. 

From Haute Couture maisons and emerging designers to showrooms and studios, Lebanon’s fashion industry was hit hard by the blast as many creatives called the surrounding neighbourhoods of Mar Mikhaël, Saifi Village and Gemmayzeh, (located just a few kilometers away from the port) home. Many saw the complete destruction of their spaces within seconds as collection pieces, raw materials and shattered glass were strewn about from the impact of the explosion’s force.

In tandem with the ongoing relief efforts in support of Beirut, a group of creative industry professionals have come together to share resources for a crowdfunding campaign to help the community rebuild after the horrific event, which saw many designers and artists lose their entire studio spaces, ateliers, showrooms and homes.

Launched on August 14, ‘United for Lebanese Creatives’ is working in consultation with the affected designers and artists to identify and provide assistance to each one of the 39 applicants.

Participating designers and creatives include Alexandra Hakim, Atelier Nawbar, Aura by Carolina, Azzi And Osta, Hussein Bazaza, Boyfriend The Brand, Bureau Des Créateurs, Cynthia Raffoul, David/Nicolas, Diane Ferjane, Dianiele Kiridjian, Emergency Room, Georges Saadé Maison de Couture, Gray Gardens Studio, Hass Idriss, Jessica K, Krikor Jabotian, Lara Khoury, Larishka, La Terre Est Folle, Margherita, Mariane Bechara, Mellow, Missak Hajavedikian, Mira Hayek, Mukhi Sisters, Passe Ta Gomme, Roni Helou, Sandra Mansour, Sara Melki, Sara Mrad, Sarah’s Bag, Sayyar Garibe, Stephanie Mousallem, Timi Hayek, The Slow, Thym, Urban Sense By Boutique Hub, Vanina, and Yassmin Saleh.

With the support of Starch Foundation, Slow Factory Foundation, Fondation Saradar, Bureau Des Créateurs, Maison Pyramide, Faux Consultancy and Roni Helou, the campaign will provide the community with the financial support it needs, to rebuild itself again.

To learn more about the initiative and how you can help, visit slowfactory.foundation/superfund

Lead image courtesy of Unsplash/ChristelleHayek