Currently taking place during Paris Fashion Week, the renowned Tranoï International Fashion Tradeshows handpicks a select number of designers to partake in its seasonal shows Homme and Preview. With over 150 exhibitors, the interactive platform connects an array of promising talents with key industry buyers and press. This season, at the new venue Cité de la Mode et du Design, Tranoï welcomed the Starch Foundation designers.
Bashar Assaf featured his namesake label of contemporary menswear and womenswear collections that highlight clean lines and tailoring; while accessories designer Yasmine Jaber featured her 3D-printed handbag label Exocet; Nour Najem showcased her eponymous contemporary womenswear label that is known for its geometric aesthetic; and Joe Arida featured his creative house La Terre Est Folle—which boasts contemporary menswear and womenswear collections.
Founded by Paris-based Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz and Tala Hajjar in 2008, the Starch Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves as an incubator to nourish young emerging Lebanese designers. Every year, four to six talents are selected to take part in the foundation’s yearly development program, which guides designers through the process of growing their collections through various areas such as marketing, branding, and public relations, as well as offers retail opportunities at its boutique located in the heart of Beirut in the Saifi Village.