The son of a dressmaker and carpenter, perhaps it’s unsurprising that Kamal Aoun became a product designer with a penchant for craft. Based in Beirut, Aoun reimagines every day objects in unexpected materials and with a unique sense of whimsy.
At Vanina fashion is a tool that offers opportunities for social and environmental change, by proposing creative alternatives to the dynamics of the industry. Positively influencing and actively taking part in community development projects and raising awareness about latent issues of our contemporary society has always been at the forefront of this duo's objectives. With an unconventional business model, both Tatiana Fayad and Joanne Hayek have proved that passion and desire can lead to more than success, it can lead to change.
A family run business since it’s inception two decades ago in Amman, Jordan, the world of Silsal Design House is a beautiful realm of captivating interior designs, free-spirited originality and self-expression.
We are honored to present limited edition art prints and objects from the Istanbul based museum of renowned contemporary Turkish artist, Burhan Doğançay. Read our interview with museum director, Bergin Azer.
Only Popcorn, a lifestyle brand and record label, premiers their earrings on Letternoon. Read all about Ghia Zatari's many inspirations in design and how she came up with the concept of these adorable mix and match kernel and popcorn earrings.
Destination Dubai Dispatch - LN made the long haul from NYC to Design Days Dubai to see old friends and meet new ones, while basking in the glow of sorely-missed sun. This year marks our first at market trip after going live. Read on for our favorites and watch our shop as we bring you new products from the region's talented designers.
This week in NYC is a whirlwind of Middle East related art and culture events during Armory Arts Week, thanks to the Armory Focus MENAM, Edge of Arabia and Art Jameel. If you are like us, the busy week is a great distraction from the weather before heading off to Dubai for Art Dubai and Design Days Dubai. We’re all going right? Here is our digestible list of top 4 must-sees, starting today.
Letternoon recently caught up with beautiful Christina during her lengthy stay in New York. She and her business partner / husband were in town for exciting business meetings that will soon result in an increased presence of her brand at American luxury retailers. Simultaneously, she was getting ready for Jewelry Arabia in Bahrain and her Christmas events in Beirut. All the while developing her new lines. What does a busy business owner and designer do to keep it all together? We sat down to ask over a fine dinner at Ilili restaurant, the owner of which is her cousin, by the way.
Who or what are your influences?
My main influence in creating Tar Tar was Jean Michel Basquiat. I was doing some research on graffiti art in school and was totally blown away with his world of symbols, colors, references; his artistic world in general. I then decided that I was going to create my own label named Tar Tar (Tar is a word he repeatedly uses in his works) with his crown symbol upside down as the logo. I wasn’t sure what I was going to be selling at the time, but two years later I finished my studies, quit my job at the University, and Tar Tar was born.
What inspires you? From the Middle East? Around the world?
I dream a lot...I really daydream, and anything that triggers that is food for soul to me. I love stories! I can obsess over one song and play it on repeat for a month! Social interactions fascinate me, as well as scientific discoveries. I also love surprises!
