Abed Mahfouz ed:27Apr 25/6/09 08:37 Page 54
FFor a woman, the thrill of yards of top-quality
fabric sweeping down a runway is surpassed
by only one thing: knowing that her own ver-
sion of that dress will be one of a kind, and
when she wears it all eyes will be on her –
whether its because it’s her wedding day, or
simply because she’s the best-dressed woman
at the ball. Abed Mahfouz has staked his ca-
reer on making one of a kind couture for once
in a lifetime occasions, and as his popularity
has spread from his native Lebanon to runways
around the world, he has become an ambassa-
dor of sorts for Middle Eastern designers, prov-
ing they can do Western fashion with the best
of them, while making creations that are all
their own.
Raised in Beirut as one of eleven children, from silky evening sheaths to ornate embel- Nothing is off limits with Mahfouz gowns –
sequins, taffeta, metallic threading,
Mr. Mahfouz grew up watching his mother and lished gowns, which rival anything originating
confections of lace and silk, pearls and prints
sister tailoring clothes to support the rest of the in France. He deftly walks the line between can all appear in a single runway show
family. The beauty and artistry of dresses cap- the overdone, arriviste look that is unfortu-
tivated the boy, and as a young man in the nately common to many designers coming from
early 1990s, he opened a dress rental shop an area with less established fashions, and the
with his sister. “From there,” he says, “I loved sheer enthusiasm and love of color that scares
the world of fashion in all its aspects, and more jaded markets. Nothing is off limits with
started my journey. I didn’t have any profes- his gowns – sequins, taffeta, metallic thread-
sional training, everything I know came from ing, confections of lace and silk, pearls and
trial and error and lots and lots of experience. prints can all appear in a single runway show,
I starting in wedding gowns at first and then and the effect, while not for the faint of heart
went into haute couture.” (or most conservative of brides) is refreshing
To hear him say this – via his son, Hassane in its excitement.
Mahfouz, who is poised to take over the family
business – is astounding to anyone who has
viewed his dresses. His designs run the gamut
54 100 Thousand Club
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