Familiar Strangers: Tala Hajar's Night Of Art And Fashion In Beirut

by Christelle EL-Daher

Familiar Strangers: Tala Hajar's Night Of Art And Fashion In Beirut

30 Apr 2025

On April 16, the photographer Tala Hajjar held an inaugural exhibition centered about her new-found artistic medium, ceramics. It was hosted alongside Rabih Kayrouz’s Spring/Summer (SS) 2025 ready-to-wear collection at Maison Rabih Kayrouz (MRK). And here is what you need to know!

I found myself following the sound of music that guided me through Gemmayzeh’s back alleys to MRK’s boutique, which is nestled in a traditional house. The external staircase led me to a lush courtyard buzzing with chatters, pleasantries and greetings. The names and faces of the Lebanese art and fashion scene were mingling, enjoying refreshing drinks, and trying the za'atar crackers made by Rabih’s father bakery.

After some socialising, my creative curiosity and intrigue were at their peak. I overheard many renowned design figures complimenting Tala and praising her talent. It was time to see what this exhibition had in store.

In her artist statement, Tala describes her creations as “a collection of characters, functional, anthropomorphic beings”. The tone was set from the get go. What started as a standard display of ceramic ornaments gradually morphed into something more absurd. As I moved from one room to another, innocent grey and white bowls, cute centerpieces mimicking harmless mushrooms and wild grass, gave way to bloodshot mythical beings. Not to be undone, these creatures somehow managed to turn 2D and find their way on the crisp white shirts hanging by their side.

Dragged into a Kafkaesque hole by the end of the tour, the promise of a surrealist journey was fulfilled. Moreover, the setting was cleverly designed to officially unveil the Tala Hajjar X MRK’s collaboration.

This was the unexpected surprise of the event. Unbeknownst to the public, Tala had asked Studio Kunukku to get inspired by her imagined hybrids and turn them into woodblock prints to be stamped on MRK shirts and t-shirts. Thus, adding allure to casual wear. These sketches reminded me of cave paintings, a sprout of creativity on a blank canvas.

And to answer the question lingering on your minds: “What is Kunukku? Is it English? Arabic?”, I inquired. It is the Akkadian word “seal impression”. Founded in Ancient Mesopotamia, the Akkadian Empire was the first known empire in history. At its greatest extent, it ruled over parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey (2334 to 2154 BC). So, “Kunukku” is a very sophisticated history infused way of saying block printing!

It is also important to note that even in a light hearted collaboration MRK stayed true to its core identity, fluidity. “The body has to breathe” in Rabih’s world, and it most certainly does when dressed in his Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

Characterised by its fluidity and weightlessness, this collection brings enchantment and delight to its admirers and wearers. A staunch minimalist, Rabih is a purist that lets the fabric speak for itself and be the center of attention. One of the best examples is the “metallic jacquard mermaid dress”. The technique that went into weaving the fabric was spotlighted and enhanced by Rabih’s architectural construction. Beauty lies in simplicity. What these pieces lack in embellishment, they make it up in their vitality. The lively and bold scenery will uplift your morale on the most hectic days. Sometimes, a dash of colours can be the difference between perceiving the silver lining of optimism or feeling the blues. But all the vibrant dresses, skirts and shirts that were showcased couldn’t trump the gold sweater whose twin is at the Louvre.

In case you missed it, the Parisian Museum is housing an exhibition titled “Louvre Couture: Objects of Art, Objects of Fashion”. It displays the creative genius of forty-five acclaimed fashion designers through one hundred outfits. Rabih Kayrouz is represented by a look from his Autumn/Winter 2019–2020 haute couture collection. A silk organza with gold lace trim skirt and a gold thread knit sweater, which took three weeks to be completed.

It feels like 2025 is marking MRK’s big entrance into the world of art and culture. Earlier this month it was announced that Rabih will create the costumes for “Carmen”, an opera that will be played at this year’s Baalbeck International festival. He is being assisted by students from Creative Space Beirut (CSB), a free fashion design school supporting vulnerable talents. The fabrics are provided by Wardé, a leader of Lebanese textile.

When it comes to helping young Lebanese talents, Rabih is not at his first try. In 2008, Rabih and Tala launched Starch, an NGO with the objective of promoting emerging Lebanese fashion designers. Among the alumni, we can find names like Roni Helou, Salim Azzam, and Krikor Jabotian.

And as you may have guessed, the Rabih X Tala duo goes back a long way. How did their partnership come to life? Long story short, Tala entrusted Rabih with the delicate task of making her bridal dress. A decision that marked the beginning of a long friendship and a rich professional collaboration.

That Wednesday evening proved that “familiar strangers” can become part of the family “that sits at your table and spark your imagination”.

by Christelle EL-Daher