Hazem Kais Fall 2016. Photograph by Tony Elieh and art direction by George Rouhana. Courtesy of Creative Space Beirut
Kuwait’s luxury multi-brand boutique 4 has added young Lebanese designer Hazem Kais’ debut Fall 2016 collection to its roster of labels. Titled Human Nature, the Creative Space Beirut (CSB) student’s inaugural womenswear collection is on display alongside names such as Rick Owens, Haider Ackermann , and Comme des Garçons. Drawing inspiration from human emotions and volcanic natural forces, the lineup taps a minimalist aesthetic through tailored separates in a deep red and black palette. Boxy-cut tops and fluid, asymmetric cardigans are presented together with a shirt featuring a looped sash and crinkled, high-waist paper bag pants. To combat the winter chills, a quilted bomber is whipped together in lustrous silk. Speaking to Vogue Arabia about his debut at 4, Kais shares, “I am honored that my collection was chosen to be stocked at 4 between such prestigious and respected designers. The opportunity to create my collection was exciting and valuable, especially for a student. It helped me understand the industry, and the process of designing to production.”
Hazem Kais Fall 2016. Photograph by Tony Elieh and art direction by George Rouhana. Courtesy of Creative Space Beirut
Founded in 2011 by Parsons graduate Sarah Hermez, and her former Parsons professor Caroline Simonelli, CSB is a non-profit, three-year fashion school dedicated to providing scholarships to homegrown designers that lack resources to pursue a creative education. Last year, 4 played host to the end of year students’ presentations, where Kais took home the prize. “4 is delighted to be associated with Sarah’s inspirational project in Beirut. Hazem was an extremely worthy and talented award winner and we’ve already logged significant interest in his debut collection,” remarks 4’s creative director Mark Quinn. “We worked with him throughout the process and the end result entirely justified all.”
Click here to discover Amna Al Salem’s mercury infused collection.
