Harithand

Photo: Courtesy of Harithand
Lebanese designer behind Harithand, Harith Hashim expresses that for Fall 2021, he wanted to create something easy-to-wear in keeping with the brand’s fluid identity, but even more light with a sense of liberty and romance. Suiting and dresses take on elongated shapes, there is no nostalgia here, rather hope grounded in earthy hues. Hashim, who recently dressed actor Angelina Jolie, reflects on lessons and inspirations from Beirut and the new strides the brand is taking.
Angelina Jolie wears Harithand Fall 2021. Photo: Getty
Like everyone in Beirut, you experienced deep trauma from the blast. Were you able to rest and take some time for yourself this summer?
It was a very hard year for all of us, losing my house, the office, many garments—everything. To top it off, the economic crisis and the revolution, all together, it felt like a never-ending nightmare. We didn’t have the option to rest. We launched our online website, we had to fulfill clients’ orders on time. This was a way to escape reality and focus on work. Being a creative director in Lebanon, at these times, is definitely hard work. We have to keep the same exact level and standards. The situation is not ideal, but I always remain optimistic, and I believe the beautiful days of Beirut are coming back.
With the collection preparations and between photoshoots, I haven’t really gotten much time for myself. Even with all this, I feel that I finally get to express myself in my designs with complete freedom, without the fear of ”not being suitable” for the market. Today, my designs really reflect how I see the world and how I envision the everyday woman.
Photo: Courtesy of Harithand
What changes have you made to your production following August?
We recently moved into a new atelier, a beautiful traditional Lebanese space in Gemmayze, where we produced most of the collection. The good news, which I am very excited about, is that we are producing some speci­c garments in Milan, working with the best local craftsmanship. For the ­first time in our brand history, we have begun creating denim pants and belts sourced from premium leather and made in Italy. It’s defi­nitely an exciting venture for us.
Photo: Courtesy of Harithand
What inspires you today?
I am inspired by people’s drive to live and enjoy life again, this passion is giving me inspiration to design and work for a better tomorrow. To me, Beirut creates diamonds—the amount of pressure around you drives you to succeed. I ­find it as my way of escaping reality and this collection to me means a lot as it reflects the romance and beauty that Beirut needs to return to. The chaos and beauty of this country drives my inspiration!
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The finale of the 2020 Vogue Fashion Prize, powered by NEOM, is almost upon us as the finalists prepare for what may be the biggest challenge of their careers so far. Last week, ahead of the finale this Thursday on December 17, the 10 Middle Eastern finalists were tasked with showcasing three of their best creations, from their latest collections. The looks were shot for a special photo shoot for Vogue Arabia. However, you don’t have to wait for the January issue to see the designs – we have the behind-the-scenes footage right here.
From vibrant designs courtesy of Born in Exile to elegant formations by Harithand, Lurline‘s creative and voluminous flair to Lama Jouni‘s bold yet sophisticated contemporary designs, there was a positive buzz in Stellar Studios in Al Quoz, Dubai, as the first of the Vogue Fashion Prize finalists showed off their hard work.
Throughout the long day, as the finalists came and went, it was clear that the Vogue Fashion Prize represents so much more than just a challenge to the designers. From the personable welcomes to the compliments given to one another on their respective designs, the finalists’ friendly demeanor elevated what has been an exciting competition so far.
Winners of the 2020 Vogue Fashion Prize, Powered By NEOM will be announced at the grand event on December 17.
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Meet The Finalists of the 2020 Vogue Fashion Prize, Powered by NEOM

The return of the 2020 Vogue Fashion Prize, powered by NEOM, has, so far, been nothing short of sensational. Offering the chance for emerging designers to showcase their work on a global platform, the empowering event has returned bigger than ever before, with sustainability at the core of this year’s prize.
Since its launch in 2015, the Fashion Prize has catapulted some of the most promising regional designers to stardom. With world-class industry professionals on this year’s jury, we saw more than 250 people across 20 countries apply to be part of the illustrious program. From the hundreds of talented applicants, 10 finalists have been carefully selected, each specializing in either ready-to-wear, couture, accessories, and high jewelry categories. Without further ado, Vogue Arabia presents the finalists of the 2020 Vogue Fashion Prize.
Mohamed Benchellal: Benchellal
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Mohamed Benchellal of Benchellal

Category: CoutureCountry: Morocco
Moroccan designer Mohamed Benchellal launched his couture womenswear label Benchelall in Amsterdam in 2015. Benchellal’s atelier holds sustainable and ethical values at its core, taking an intricately handcrafted approach to each garment. Looking to establish a future of fashion where couture and sustainability go hand in hand, Benchellal has garnered international interest through his playful, contemporary, yet timeless designs.
Ibrahim Shebani: Born in Exile
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Ibrahim Shebani of Born in Exile

Category: Ready-to-wearCountry: Libya
German-born, Libyan designer Ibrahim Shebani was inspired to launch his luxury ready-to-wear label in 2018. Aptly named Born in Exile, the brand reflects Shebani’s experience of his family’s exile from their home country in the 1970s. His powerful designs represent a modern twist on Libya’s rich culture and folklore traditions, turning them into everyday garments.
Eric Mathieu Ritter: Emergency Room
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Eric Mathieu Ritter of Emergency Room

Category: Ready-to-wearCountry: Lebanon
Ready-to-wear label Emergency Room was born from the mind of designer Eric Mathieu Ritter. The Beirut-based brand launched in 2018, inspired by the necessity of sourcing a sustainable and ethical alternative to clothing creation. Each garment designed by Ritter utilizes dead-stock fabrics and unique vintage materials, forming Emergency Room’s conscious ready-to-wear collections.
Harith Hashim: Harithand
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Harith Hashim of Harithand

Category: Ready-to-wearCountry: Lebanon
Baghdad-born, Iraqi-Lebanese designer Harith Hashim established his luxury ready-to-wear label Harithand in 2012. Hashim’s creative flair, use of couture codes, and playful ruffles bring his vision of chemistry between a woman and her clothes to life, through his elegant collections of formal daywear and evening pieces.
Ilyes Ouali
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Ilyes Ouali

Category: Ready-to-wearCountry: Algeria
Algerian designer Ilyes Ouali’s namesake brand was conceived in 2016, inspired by his mother’s style. Taking inspiration from his mother’s impeccable wardrobe, Ouali redesigned eveningwear styles to represent the modern consumer, while retaining traditional feminine elegance.
Jude Benhalim
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Jude Benhalim

Category: JewelryCountry: Egypt
Cairo-based jewelry designer Jude Benhalim founded her eponymous label with her mother and partner, Rana Alazm, in 2011. Born and raised in Egypt, the designer’s statement pieces reflect the modern women that serves as Benhalim’s muse. Finding inspiration in geometric shapes and architectural designs, Benhalim curates intricately handcrafted pieces made with the bold female spirit in mind.
Karim Adduchi
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Karim Adduchi

Category: CoutureCountry: Morocco
Moroccan-born artist and designer Karim Adduchi launched his womenswear label in 2015 and has since seen his collections grace the runway at Paris and Amsterdam fashion weeks. Previously named on Forbes Europe and Forbes Middle East’s 30 under 30 lists as a designer to watch, Adduchi’s unique creations are recognized as examples of self-expression and globalization, often drawn from inspiration of his rich heritage.
Lama Jouni
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Lama Jouni

Category: Ready-to-wearCountry: Lebanon
Before establishing her eponymous ready-to-wear label, Lama Jouni trained at Balmain. Since Lama Jouni’s launch in 2016, the Lebanese designer has created a series of collections inspired by music, travel, and art, focusing on captivating silhouettes for the fierce yet understated woman.
Sarah and Siham Albinali: Lurline
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalists Sarah and Siham Albinali of Lurline

Category: Ready-to-wearCountry: Saudi Arabia
Sisters Sarah and Siham Albinali launched their ready-to-wear label Lurline in 2018. Born in Saudi Arabia, Sarah and Siham bring their conception of the modern woman to life in their unconventional and daring designs. Embracing soft goth fashion mixed with refined femininity, Lurline takes pride in its approach combining traditional and modern techniques to create their timeless pieces.
Yousef Akbar
2020 Vogue Fashion Prize finalist Yousef Akbar

Category: CoutureCountry: Saudi Arabia
Born and raised in Jeddah, Yousef Akbar has been passionate about fashion from a young age. The Saudi couturier launched his namesake label at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in 2017. The brand credits its foundations to creating ethical and responsible garments, infused with elegance and femininity, made by using recycled materials.
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