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For This Lebanese Designer, a Star-Studded Show at Paris Fashion Week is Only the Beginning

Gone are the days when Arab designers and their talent were restricted within the waters of the Middle East. While Arab couturiers like Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab are household names across the world now, emerging regional designers are not too far behind as they break through the international sartorial world, one major fashion calendar event at a time.

Over the weekend, Lebanese entrepreneur-turned-designer Eli Mizrahi had what would be the highlight of his career in fashion as he presented the first-ever collection for his New York-based label Mônot at Paris Fashion Week. While his high-octane designs fit right in at the high-profile event at the exclusive French restaurant Apicius, the designer’s guest list read like the who’s who of the fashion and entertainment industries. Making glamorous appearances were American actors Demi Moore, Shailene Woodley, Joey King, English actor Olivia Cooke, French fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, models Amber Valletta and Cindy Bruna, as well as photography duo Luigi & Iango. As long-term supporters of regional talent, Vogue Arabia too was in attendance, represented by editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut.

The fall/winter 20-21 collection is based on “maximal minimalism”, shared Mizrahi with Vogue Arabia. Featuring “timeless silhouettes and powerful abstract colors,” the designer was inspired by “contemporary art, mainly the work of Lucio Fontana that’s translated into the collection with the peekaboos.” The work of Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen also served as an inspiration with neo-futuristic, geometric and strong lines making several appearances in the designs. Bold and sensual, every piece in the designer’s debut collection is unique as it requires confidence while bringing out the same from within the wearer, encouraging them to feel their best without breaking the bank.

Although Mizrahi is not a complete stranger to famous faces donning his creations — with Zendaya once making a public appearance in a stunning white number by the designer — an impressive cast of models like Georgia Fowler and former Vogue Arabia cover stars Jourdan Dunn and Nora Attal wearing his collection at the event only made his work that much more covetable.

Take a look at the Mônot fall/winter 20-21 collection campaign starring supermodel Eva Herzigova below.

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