NOUR NAJEM

One Thursday afternoon in Beirut we met with Nour Najem at Café Diem. This young designer impressed us with her confidence and determination as we took note of her creativity and talent. As a young girl, Nour was constantly drawn towards the fashion world. Therefore, it was no surprise that she chose to study at ESMOD Beirut before landing jobs at Elie Saab, Rabih Kayrouz and Caroline Seikaly. Eventually, Nour Najem fulfilled her dream of launching her own line.

Nour Najem founded her brand in the spring of 2013; a year later she also created the Kenzah Foundation, an organization that employs disadvantaged women and aims to work with experienced regional craftsmen. The knowledge of fine craftsmanship is traditionally passed down to young men who are increasingly ignoring these trades. Thus, the foundation was established to help pass the knowledge of artisanal work to marginalized women. Nour integrates handcrafted details into her creations to give them a little something extra that makes the difference.

 

Nour’s talent was eventually spotted by the Starch Foundation, and she joined the Lebanese designers NGO in December 2014. Each year, Starch propels talented fashion designers towards success by providing them with mentors and also by promoting their first collections.

 

My Souk In The City aims to introduce Middle Eastern designers who exhibit exceptional talent, and it is clear that Nour Najem is this incarnate. She has taken advantage from her Lebanese origins to create modern designs fit for an independent woman. Her collections are full of rich fabrics, intricate details and the perfect combination of geometric and architectural lines anchored in the style of her heritage.

She draws inspiration from traditional art, crafts and the understanding needed to apply it brilliantly to her creations. Nour is also committed to building a responsible brand- reliable and durable- making this commitment a key element of her brand. It is evident a star was born the minute Nour Najem took interest in fashion.