High-heeled women strutted their way down the red carpet in perfect makeup and fashionable outfits past waiting cameramen.
These weren’t models, however, but rather the guests at the reception for the third edition of the L.I.P.S. Summer Fashion Week, launched Tuesday at the St. Georges Hotel in Ain al-Mreisseh.Entry to the event was designed to put attendees in the mood for the coming fashion show, with access to the terrace via an interior red carpet, scattered with flowers and posed mannequins. The decorations were the work of BoConcept, Strassco, Asfour Crystal and Giscardo.
The 50-meter stage was set on the outdoor terrace of the St. Georges Yacht Club, along with a selection of local brands providing refreshments, including Pinkberry, Cafe Najjar and Bocti (agents of Stoli), who appeared to have taken possession of the entirety of Lebanon’s lime supply. Given the unseasonably high temperature, the well-heeled guests seemed happy to be outdoors, with a warm but welcome sea breeze.
The guests mingled, posing for selfies and professional snaps as they awaited the arrival of internationally acclaimed UAE fashion designer Mona al-Mansouri, whose entrance to awaiting huddle of photographers and cameramen sparked a near uniform surge toward the still empty seating area around the stage.
Emirati designer Mona al-Mansouri (2R), Emirati singer Roueida al-Mahrouqi (L) Egyptian actresses Mervet Ameen (2L) and Elham Shahine (C) and Egyptian singer Ghada Ragab (R) (AFP/Anwar Amro)
Once the kaleidoscope of heels and dresses had settled around the stage, the summer fashion week kicked off with a crowned model adorned in a lacy red evening gown. Murmurs of “wow” were uttered by the watching fashionistas.
Following Mansouri Tuesday evening were local designers Nadwa al-Awar and Lamia Abi Nader. Still to come throughout the week are a mix of local and international designers and brands displaying their best of summer trends, including; Louisa Bassil, Ivana Marmare, Dorra al-Zayani, Ayoub Moumene, Les Amis Boutique, Bebe, La Perla and ODD.
The La Perla Fashion Show paraded their latest swimwear collection. (AFP/Joseph Eid)
