The Designer
Fadwa Karout Baalbaki was born in Beirut in 1969. From an early age she showed interest in art; her creativity cultivating into different art forms, until it was cut short in 1975, when Lebanon erupted into a civil war and she was forced to flee her home.
Fadwa moved to Paris, a city bubbling with potential for an artistic young girl. She was mesmerized by creations of the late Azzedine Alaia and Yohji Yamamoto. In her free time, Fadwa used to go thrift shopping in Chatelet (Paris) and alter each piece to her liking, which led her to discover her love of fashion.
In 1994, the civil war ended and Fadwa was able to return to Lebanon and start her own a family, she raised three children which made it hard for her to pursue her interest in fashion and further develop it.
In 2008, Fadwa started creating jewelry pieces and accessories for private clients, this is when she realized that there was little to no creative hubs that encourage young emerging designers in Lebanon. She would later open a concept store in Beirut, it would be known as Little Black Dress and would become a haven for emerging designers by offering them a platform to showcase their collections and promote their talent.
In 2011, Fadwa took a leap of faith and opened her atelier in Beirut, where she started experimenting with fabrics and creating made to measure pieces for her clients. She would quickly gain a reputation in Beirut due to her designs, craftsmanship and one-on-one approach with each client.
in 2014 Fadwa showcased her first couture collection in Abu Dhabi which awarded her further exposure in the Arab region. Since then, Fadwa has been releasing a couture and bridal collection each season under her own name FADWA BAALBAKI, in her flagship store at the heart of Beirut.
Famous actresses were seen wearing her pieces on red carpets such as Oscar nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, Emmy awards winner Hannah Waddingham and Bollywood actresses.
Each FADWA BAALBAKI piece is created in-house at the FADWA BAALBAKI atelier in Beirut, Lebanon in order to ensure the highest craftsmanship as well as sustainability.
Sustainability
All our pieces are made in-house at the FADWA BAALBAKI atelier in Beirut, Lebanon. Where every piece is given the attention needed. We source our materials from small manufacturers in France and Italy. At the atelier, each piece from our stocks gets to have a new identity each season, that’s why we do not destroy our surplus.
We are committed to a zero-waste approach therefore we only produce a limited quantity of products according to the demand. All our fabrics are used during the creation process leaving no waste.
Social Responsibility
From the beginning of the creation process, social responsibility and sustainability are embedded in our values. Our savoir-faire is taught to new employees that seek a deeper understanding of the creation process. Our fundamental values have always been revolved around inclusivity and diversity.
We see each piece created as a statement piece to be worn by all women regardless.