Hobeika’s Spring 2024’s Couture: The Resurrection of “Old Arab Glam”

Lebanese designer, George Hobeika made a glamourous statement wowing everyone with his latest Spring 2024’s couture collection at Paris Fashion Week. Hobeika’s collection is a tribute to the glamour and beauty of Middle Eastern Women, including the spirit of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, reflecting the joys of life of the parties of those eras.

There is a vibrant colour palette of of reds, greens, pinks, purples and blues, influenced by the vibes of Beirut, a symbol of Arabic culture. But also expresses the playfulness and the warmth of the Arab world. There were also a few looks which incorporated the colours, royal blue and gold, showcasing the richness and regality of the Arab world.

Flowers that are all through the collection represents the childhood and the memories of the co-creative director, Georges and Jad Hobeika.

Throughout the collection, tapestry and rugs was part of the looks whether it’s in a form of dresses or skirts that elegantly wrapped around the models’ bodies. Tapestries and rugs holds significant cultural relevance in Arab culture, serving not only as functional items but is also a blend of artistic expression, cultural heritage and craftmanship that continues to be cherished and celebrated today.

The coffee cup earrings that majority of the models wore cannot go unnoticed which reflects the traditional, hospitality, and social connections within the Lebanese society. The design and style of coffee cups also holds a cultural significance in Lebanese traditions. Traditional Lebanese coffee cups, often made of ceramic or porcelain, are small, ornate, and decorated with intricate patterns or motifs. These cups are symbols of refinement and elegance. 

There is a juxtaposition of sensuality and modesty as we see the silhouette is frequently enhanced, showing the curves of the body but hands remained covered during the show, the gloves became a significant design element. In Arab culture, the notion of modesty plays a significant role in social norms and values. Arab societies often place a high value on modesty, which is influenced by Islamic teachings as well as cultural traditions. The revealing of the curves and the chest and the concealing of the hands has a nod to both western and traditional style.

The show transports their audience to the enchanting world of Arabic culture, immersing them in its rich culture and vibrant landscapes. The two designers wanted their collection to be a love letter to women and culture which nurtured them, and continue to influence them. The music that is played throughout the show are songs by Umm Kulthum, a a famous Egyptian singer from the 1920s to 2970s, which creates a sense of nostalgia to those that grew up listening to her.

Here are some of the looks that should be spotlighted:

This strapless maxi dress that is heavily embellished includes the colour red and white which could be a nod to the Lebanon flag. We shouldn’t ignore the central focus of this look which is the vase design embroidered into the dress, another home décor which holds a cultural significant. Vases are often crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Skilled artisans employ methods such as pottery, ceramics, glassblowing, and metalwork to create these items, resulting in pieces that reflect the rich heritage of Arab craftmanship.

 Model, Angelina Frerk, closes the show in a bridal gown featuring a form-fitting silhouettes adorned with intricate 3D floral embellishments. The crepe dress boasts an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline. The look is accessorised with a stunning embellished veiled with crystals gracefully falling at the edge of the headscarf. This look is beautifully demonstrate modesty and elegance that we continued to see throughout the show.

In essence, Hobeika’s Spring 2024 Couture transported the audience to the enchanting world of Arabic culture, weaving together nostalgia, tradition, and modern elegance. Through meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful design choices, Georges and Jad Hobeika both delivered a captivating homage to women and culture that continues to inspire and influence.