The Zuhair Murad headquarters destroyed following the Beirut blast.
This afternoon, in Beirut, immediately following an ocher-colored cloud that shot up to the sky, a mushroom-like explosion ripped through the port. The cause and extent of the damage is not yet known. However, along with former prime minister Saad Hariri’s house reported to be in ruins, Vogue Arabia can confirm that the headquarters and ateliers of internationally renowned couture houses Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad have been destroyed. Maison Rabih Kayrouz has posted stories of the inside of his Beirut flagship with glass and parts of the structure strewn about the devastated space. Vogue Arabia contributor Amine Jressati, who notably styled the Majida El Roumi Vogue Arabia June 2020 cover story, has been critically injured and is currently being treated. Footage of the ABC Mall also shows it to be in a state of rubble.
The ABC Mall left in ruins in Achrafieh, Beirut following today’s explosion
Fine jeweler Ralph Masri has informed that his new boutique, located on Weygand Street, Downtown Beirut, has been destroyed, though no one was hurt. Weygand Street is lined with luxury boutiques such as Rolex, Panerai, and Pomellato. The building housing the offices of Mariana Wehbe Public Relations is a further casualty as is the store belonging to makeup artist Hala Ajam. Much of the capital has been damaged by the blast, with effects being seen for kilometers from the port. This explosion is a literal hit to a country that is currently suffering the worst economic crisis in its recent history.
The Hala Ajram store destroyed following the blast
The Lebanese Red Cross has made an urgent call for all blood types at the Lebanese Red Cross blood transfusion centers in Lebanon, citing Tripoli, Jounieh, Antelias, Spears, Zahle, Saida, and Nabatieh as locations for blood donations. Vogue Arabia will continue updating this story as it develops.
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