There are many opportunities for women in the creative field. I led the wardrobe direction of a music video for a cast of 40+ people and a male-dominated crew. I was given many great opportunities at 24, I taught a course in styling at the Lebanese American University (in collaboration with the London College of Fashion & Elie Saab). Men and women face the same obstacles in the creative field. What about for a woman in the creative field? People are very hands on, production is very accessible, and that allowed me to exercise my vision.

I went to Borj Hammoud, the Armenian neighborhood in Beirut, which is also a district for textiles, mechanics and other materials alike, and had it made instantly. For instance, I remember needing a last-minute, fairly intricate, circular wooden platform for a shoot. As a creative in the city, I feel like anything is really possible around here. Lebanon is stuck in a time warp - I think that’s why I’m so drawn to earlier eras, the ’70s and ’80s. If you think of Lebanon as not only Beirut, there is so much to explore and get inspired by. The thing that’s great about Beirut is that you’re a drive away from the most beautiful landscapes escapism is a huge part of this country. The city is tiny, and the scene is tinier. Just like any city, it has its ups and downs. I found a common ground with the complexities and contradictions within the city. I realized I had embodied Beirut’s energy all along, its pain and culture, even though I lived far from it. I was able to reconnect with my roots which gave me a greater perspective of myself and my work. Being based in Beirut for two years was one of the best decisions I ever made. Over the years, I began to understand the disparities within my country, and it made me want to learn more about it. I was so accustomed to Dubai, I would become nervous and somehow reject it. The chaos of Lebanon wasn’t something I enjoyed early on - there was something uncomfortable about it. I wanted to implement what I had learnt from London.ĭubai is a new city, and growing up there as a kid, everything that surrounded me was polished, not rough around the edges. I was curious about the creative industry there and what I could do within it. During the summer of 2015, I had this sudden urge to stay in Beirut and explore my country. I'm Lebanese, but I grew up in Dubai and would visit a couple times a year. I moved to Beirut after graduating with my BA in Fashion Styling & Photography from London College of Fashion. When and why did you move to the Middle East?

How to make videos like clams casino