Lebanon is located in West Asia and shares borders with the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south.
Lebanon’s geographical location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Arab world has led to the formation of religious, racial, and cultural diversity.
Lebanon is called the bride of the Middle East, and Beirut is one of the top cities in the Arab world in terms of quality of life.
Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon. It has long been described as the “most fashionable city in the Middle East” due to the abundance of fashion designers and the holding of various fashion shows. However, due to multiple wars, the name Beirut was associated with images of ruins for decades.
Gradually, Beirut finds its colorful and lively face. Despite the problems caused by the influx of large numbers of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, the political unrest, and the activities of religious extremist groups, young Lebanese fashion designers are trying to present a different picture of Lebanon.
Fashion Industry in Lebanon
Some young Lebanese fashion designers have made their way to major fashion shows in Europe, such as French fashion shows. International experts believe that compliance with international standards in the design and execution of fashion shows has led Lebanon to the global borders of the fashion world.
In Lebanon, fashion and clothing are serious issues. Lebanese Fashion businesses range from the retail of affordable clothing to the in-house production of luxury clothing. Some Lebanese brands create regular collections in ready-to-wear, couture, and accessories with a small number of models elaborated by a designer who is frequently the brand’s founder.
Others focus on tailoring rather than designing their own unique collections. They replicate and alternate existing designs to cater to the needs of their clientele.
Beirut designers are the first choice for people who live in the Middle East and can afford custom clothing. Lebanese designers are regarded as regional fashion designers, and the country has long been a popular shopping destination for Middle Eastern visitors.
The majority of great Lebanese designers began their careers in couture and were well-known for their red carpet designs. In fact, in many people’s minds, Lebanese fashion is usually linked with glamorous evening dress.
Some Lebanese designers have a global reputation by hosting fashion shows in the top international fashion capitals and designing clothes for many celebrities worldwide. Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Basil Soda, Rabih Kayrouz, Abed Mahfouz, Tony Ward, Georges Chakra, Georges Hobeika, and Robert Abi Nader are some of the Lebanese fashion designers who paved the way to the worldwide scene.
In comparison to many other countries in the region, Lebanon has less censorship and more freedom of expression. This openness, combined with a diverse and cosmopolitan population, has resulted in a thriving artistic and creative scene that distinguishes Lebanon regionally.
Furthermore, Lebanese designers indicate that local and regional press and lifestyle websites provided them with excellent exposure to customers. They also cited the small size of Lebanon as one of the benefits of operating in the country, as it makes it easier for them to set up a company and contact suppliers.
On the other hand, some Lebanese fashion designers have supply chain issues because suppliers tend to store textiles for formal evening wear, which is in higher demand, and have had to restrict the variety of their stock due to the country’s economic circumstances.
Moreover, they have some difficulties accessing foreign markets. Buyers usually see fashion houses’ collections during trade events, exhibitions, fashion shows, or private showrooms. The majority of sales occur in one of the world’s fashion capitals, such as Paris, Milan, New York, or London. Emerging Lebanese designers generally cannot afford to attend these exhibits because they are highly expensive. Lack of support and access to finance is the other problem of Lebanese fashion designers.
In conclusion, the Lebanese fashion industry enjoys several advantages, including the local culture, the quality of life, and the dynamics of other linked sectors, such as tourism, notably in terms of knowledge exchanges. These information exchanges feed into fashion designers’ careers and serve as the “engine” for some Lebanese fashion designers’ worldwide and regional success, which has an impact on local and regional growth.
However, the lack of governmental or institutional support and intermediary organizations such as professional associations, trade organizations, or a fashion council representing the national fashion industry, organizing events, encouraging more knowledge exchanges, and promoting young designers are limiting the industry’s future development.
Top textile and fashion manufacturers in Lebanon:
Abi Nasr La Reine
Address: in Nahr Ibrahim – Lebanon
Phone: 961-9-478050
Fax: 961-9-478050
Website: www.abinasrlareine.com
Email: [email protected]
Ets Abi Nasr started in 1970 in Beirut and moved to its present premises in 1990, we have a large range of clothing products such as: Ladies briefs and underwear, Children’s Socks and Knitted clothes, Men’s underwear.
The raw material comes from different countries, Cotton stiching thread from Turkey, Accessories and knitted material from the Far East, yarn from knitting socks from Italy and Motives from France. The company owns brand names under which they sell products:
ZEINA: For Children’s range
LADY: For the top Range of ladies underwear.
LA REINE: For the Middle range.
DIANA: For the popular Range.
Uniforia
website: www.uniforia.com/
Address: Rahal Center – Ground Floor, Dora Main Highway, Beirut – Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 889105 or 106
Mobile: +961 70 776644
Email: [email protected]
Uniforia is a leading manufacturer of uniforms with more than 50 years of experience in the apparel and textiles industry. Our products are used and loved by the most reputable local and international companies and organizations.
Our passion for fabrics and garments is reflected in every single product that comes out of our factory, be it a simple t-shirt printed in one color or a sophisticated 3-layer waterproof jacket with multiple pockets, features, and embroideries. We make high-quality uniforms at affordable factory prices while providing our customers with an exceptional buying experience along the way.
Rakha Textiles
Website: www.rakhatextiles.com/
It’s amazing how the right fabric and the right textile can transform an area or a design. From fashion designers to interior decorators to anyone who wants their design to stand out.
Rakha textiles is a fast-growing company Based in Beirut Lebanon, throughout 45 years of operation, we have been serving the Lebanese and Middle Eastern market by providing a variety of fabric items and fabric treatment products. We undertake furnishing projects for Hotels, restaurants and Hospitals, we further in-house treat fabric to meet international safety and quality standards.
Rakha textiles believe that Lebanon deserves better and safer standards of Fabrics, for that reason we provide full treatment of Medical and Antibacterial textiles for Hospitals, Fire-Treated fabric for Hotels and furnished apartments.
Jonatex Home s.a.r.l
Website: www.jonatexhome.com/
Address: Jouret El-Ballout Main Road, P.O.Box 49 Broumana, METN, Lebanon
Tel: +961.4.80 82 40
Email: info [at] jonatexhome.com
Jonatex has been distributing household linens since 1941 when Joseph Najjar founded a home linen shop in the heart of downtown Beirut business center Souk Ayyas.
Three generations and 70 years later the company has evolved into a leading manufacturer and distributor of middle and high-end bed and bath linens. Due to different circumstances in Lebanon, we moved 15 km. from Beirut and established retail stores and wholesale showrooms in Broumana and Jouret El-Ballout.
From Grandfather, father and now the son, Jonatex is built on a strong tradition of family values, respect and good moral and business ethics. Having a partnership with European designers and linen weaving companies Jonatex has exclusive distribution of its own conceived products across Lebanon and the Middle East.
Below are images of some of the official accounting books from when Jonatex was established.
FabricAID
Website: www.fabricaid.me/
Tel: +961 (76) 900230
Email: [email protected]
Address: Mkalles – Industrial District – Debahy Building – Floor 2, Lebanon
FabricAID was created when co-founder Omar Itani accidentally discovered that the clothing his family had been donating to their apartment building’s concierge was, in fact, going to waste because it didn’t fit his family’s needs. As he looked for answers, he realized that there was no proper system for collecting and redistributing used clothes in Lebanon, so in December 2016 he started a social media experiment, collecting clothes from friends, sorting through them, and giving disadvantaged families exactly the items they needed and chose. The response was overwhelming and before long, from his house filled with bags of clothing, FabricAID was launched.
The Background: The MENA region lacks sustainable organizations specialized in second-hand clothing collection and re-distribution. Instead, NGOs and some scattered civil campaigns collect meager amounts of donated clothing. Those NGOs face tremendous challenges in upscaling their operations since second-hand clothing collection, sorting, cleaning, and distribution systems are expensive, require intensive labor power, and are relatively complicated to operate. The absence of specialized enterprises and lack of NGO resources results in limited collection capacity and ineffective distribution.
Joseph SAARTI
Website: www.fsaarti.com/
Email: [email protected]
1930: Our legacy started when our grandfather, the founder Joseph SAARTI started his own tailoring shop in the heart of Beirut.
1960: Joseph SAARTI was known as one of the top tailors back in his era when he established the first SAARTI boutique in Downtown Beirut.
1966: Under the leadership of Fouad SAARTI, the founder’s son, several SAARTI boutiques were inaugurated in Lebanon until late 1977.
1982: SAARTI flagship boutique was considered an iconic reference to men’s apparel in the heart of Beirut.
2002: SAARTI became a market leader in men’s clothing apparel in Lebanon and the region with more than 40 years of experience.
2010: The third generation of SAARTI’s family evolved the brand with a new concept with the inauguration of F.SAARTI boutique in Sin El Fil, Lebanon.
2011: F.SAARTI boutique was among the first Men’s wear stores in Lebanon to establish a strong online presence.
2021: 61 years after the inauguration of its boutique, the 3rd generation of F.SAARTI is launching its online store offering you its vast collection of products, in its usual luxurious and user-friendly approach.
Antoineirani
Webmail: www.antoineirani.com
Tel: 09 937 625 – 09 643 708
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Lebanon
With over 40 years of experience, we pride ourselves in offering the best textiles and accessories for the best prices, while providing personalized and innovative services. Your choice of pattern and colors can enhance your design and even affect your mood.
SKAFF
Website: www.skaffgroup.com
PHONE: +961 76 113 444
EMAIL: [email protected]
ADDRESS: LA GALLERIA SARL Falougha main road Haytham Abu El Hosn Centre, Lebanon
SKAFF is a leader of Fashion Industry in Lebanon
in the field of decorative fabrics. Founded in 1965 by Georges SKAFF, the family-owned & run business has evolved to include a full range of home decoration products, including textiles, wallpaper, furniture & home accessories.
SKAFF has grown as a result of the passion that has been passed on from generation to generation.
MJM Group Co.
Website: www.mjmgroupco.com/
Address: Istiklal Sreet, Rana Building, Ground Floor, Beirut, Lebanon.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 00961-1-375771
MJM Group Co. has been in the apparel men’s clothing market since 1975. It is a professional and qualified shirt manufacturing company with over 30 years of understanding of the market, bringing together extensive experience developed by its founder in the field of clothing and textile.
MJM prides itself on a wide range of shirts. Our shirts are characterized by the finest quality of Italian materials used (from textile to interlining to buttons), styling and fashion content, and precise manufacturing techniques. We make use of skilled hands in the manufacturing process, which is closely supervised, paying attention particularly to detail which gives our customers an exclusive article.
Liban Tissus
Website: www.libantissus.com/
Address: Mount Lebanon Fanar, Main Road. Gardenia Bldg. Lebanon
Phone: +961 81 536270
Email: [email protected]
Established in 2011, LibanTissus is specialized in manufacturing and supplying customised uniforms that articulate an organization’s brand image.
We work with local and international clients across various industry sectors; hospitality, retail, finance, corporate, institutional, manufacturing and warehousing, transport, healthcare & emergency services. LibanTissus has taken the market to a new level with its one-of-a-kind advanced technology machinery.
We strive to deliver high-quality, durable and timeless designs in terms of fabrics, colours, styles and textures.
Our in-house embroidery enables us to work in mass production.
Backed by a team of expert and experienced professionals, we are dedicated to provide a professional service and a smooth delivery. We are firm believers in hard work while enjoying proudly our practice.
Gemy Maalouf
Website: www.gemymaalouf.com/
WhatsApp: +961 81 275 568
Email: [email protected]
In 1997, Gemy Maalouf established her first atelier in Beirut. Being the first to launch the “Couture a Porter” concept in Lebanon, is known for her storytelling and unique pieces. Her innate artistic talent aims to inspire women of all stages in life. This brand was born to prove that a woman does not have to follow a specific convention, is not confined to what society dictates and is real to herself and her values. Her meticulous work shows the world that each piece has a story behind it, a story of existence and perseverance.
Delicate fabrics, striking colors and unique cuts is the signature of Gemy Maalouf. Her magical choice of fabrics sketches the dresses into an inspiring outcome.
Gemy Maalouf ’s detail-oriented designs have a global reach, with over 150 worldwide boutiques located in 48 different countries. The brand has always been present at fashion weeks in the top capitals of the world.
Gemy Maalouf has been listed in Forbes “30 Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands” for three consecutive years now, showcasing the powerful woman leading others to success. The brand’s designs are sought after by a wide range of women, including members of royal families, celebrities, and high-end international stores. The wide audience is the reason Gemy Maalouf decided to open an online store that is accessible to all women around the world.
Gemy Maalouf website is owned and managed by Gemy Maalouf.
White City Linens
Website: www.whitecitylinen.com/
Address: Facing Saint Charbel Church / Fanar / Lebanon
P.O. Box: 90-329 /Jdeideh / Lebanon
Tel: (961) 1-690240 / 690250
E-mail: [email protected]
For over 50 years, White City Linens has been an industry leader acting as a high-quality and professional service provider that provides beautiful and tasteful linens for any occasion. Our dedicated and professional staff of over 60 employees stationed at our wholesale branch, retail shops and integrated workshops work hard to ensure that you receive the best services possible.
Our high-quality linens and handmade accessories allow us to offer our clients with any type of product including but not limited to tablecloths, napkins, cushions, and upholstery and curtain fabrics among other products. We work with industry professionals such as hoteliers, event managers and interior designers to provide excellent linens to suit client requirements.
FD Group
Website: www.daccachegroup.com/index.html
Address: Sad el baouchrieh Beirut , industrial city, Sfeir center, Lebanon
Phone: +961 1 497 046
Email: [email protected]
FD Group is a successful family-owned business operating for nearly 60 years. We started as a uniform manufacturer and grew to linen products manufacturing.
Today, we design and manufacture private-label home textiles, and supply a wide range of top-quality linen products to hospitals and hotels. Our products are characterized by top-quality materials, impeccable structure, and durability.
KASKAS FABRICS
https://www.kaskasco.com/
Address: Diala Building, Adnan Hakim Street, Jnah Area, Beirut, Lebanon
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 009611820333
Suppliers for the High End Fashion Market for Fabric Shops, Designers and Brands
Started in 1960 as a small Family Business and expanded over the years with our own controlled Manufacturing Plant in Lebanon, in addition to Contracted Production in China, India, Taiwan, and Turkey
SANIPRO
Website: www.sanipro.com/
Phone: +961-1-688 222
Mobile: +961-3-198 255
Email: [email protected]
Address: LTM, Bld. #27, #82 St. Elias street, Mkalles, Lebanon
SANIPRO is a world-class solution in the cleaning and maintenance industry networking around the globe.
SANIPRO is a fully integrated cleaning chemicals designer, manufacturer, marketer, exporter, and representative of leading brands.
SANIPRO continues to be a success story and a role model when it comes to professionalism, dedication, and service.
SANIPRO is expanding rapidly as the local and regional markets are developing the demand for a forward-thinking supplier in the industry of hygiene and sanitation.
SANIPRO’s main assets are: understanding, meeting, and exceeding the needs of customers through personalized account management.
ABI KHALIL LLC
Website: www.abikhalil.com/
Address: Bec Center, Jal El Dib – Highway, P.O. Box: 901587 Jdeideh, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel. 961 4 715785
E-mail: [email protected]
ABI KHALIL LLC, a family-run business, was officially founded in Beirut-Lebanon through the efforts of the ABI KHALIL family.
In the beginning, the operations focused on iron and woodworking and then expanded over the following years towards the so-called “modern furnishing” sector. From 1958 up to 1965, the company continued to grow in size, fame and above all excellence, thanks to the regained quality of its manufactured goods which now cover the entire range of furnishing models.
For ABI KHALIL, the most important event in its history occurred in the 1969s- the period that coincides with the arrival of design in Lebanon. This marks the period of collaboration with architects from outside the company, and therefore have a great wealth of knowledge, who are requested to design various models. This led to the separation of the design function from production activities which, for the company, marks the progressive transition from the initial artisan crafts to the industrial market.
