Designing for IF Boutique: Three CSB alumni to design capsule collections for the iconic boutique.
To design for IF Boutique is to enter a conversation that has been unfolding for more than five decades. Since 1973, the Beirut institution has championed independent voices, avant-garde fashion, and designers with a distinct point of view, making it one of Lebanon's most influential fashion destinations.
As part of Creative Space Beirut's Advancement & Employability Program, implemented in partnership with GIZ and financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), seven CSB alumni were invited to develop original capsule collection proposals created specifically for IF Boutique.
On Wednesday, July 8, Iftikhar Kanawati, Jihan Azzam, Patile Tachjian, Mostafa Al Sous, Amir Al Kasm, Hazem Kais, and Joe Koueik presented their concepts to a jury comprising IF Boutique's Johnny Farah, Soha Farah, and Patil Tchivian.
Far more than a design exercise, each proposal responded directly to IF's identity, clientele, creative direction, market positioning, and commercial landscape. Alumni were challenged to develop collections that balance strong creative authorship with a clear understanding of how their work would exist within one of Beirut's most respected retail spaces.
Following the presentations, Jihan Azzam, Hazem Kais, and Amir Al Kasm were selected to move forward. IF Boutique shared that the decision was exceptionally difficult, with every participant presenting thoughtful, compelling, and highly developed proposals.
The selected designers have now entered the next phase of the collaboration. Over the coming months, they will continue refining their collections through design development, toile making, fabric and trim research, costing, and mentorship with the IF team before moving into production.
The collaboration will culminate in the launch of three exclusive capsule collections at IF Boutique in October 2026, offering the selected alumni the opportunity to bring their work to market while building lasting relationships within Lebanon's fashion industry.
For Creative Space Beirut, initiatives like these extend education beyond graduation, creating concrete pathways for alumni to develop sustainable creative practices and strengthen their place within the local fashion ecosystem.
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