Last month marked a huge moment for Arab fashion. Lebanese designer Sandra Mansour became the first Arab designer to collaborate with fashion conglomerate H&M, joining the likes of Balmain, Alexander Wang, and Moschino.
Just two days before the launch of the collection, which was due to take place on August 6, the major blast that shook up Beirut and took the lives of over 170 people and displaced 300,000 more, turned what was an exciting moment to a heart-breaking circumstance.
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Mansour’s studio and showroom was among the buildings damaged by the blast, with smashed windows, and materials destroyed. “Our heart and soul is aching for our Lebanon. Praying for all the victims of this horrific event. To all those lost, may Your Souls Rest in Peace, and to all those effected, we are here to help. Praying for our Lebanon. May God bless and protect this nation and its people. Stay strong beautiful Lebanon,” wrote Mansour on Instagram the day of the explosion.
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Due to the tragic event, the collection with H&M was postponed until now. Three weeks later, Sandra’s collection has finally launched and is now available in store and online. And to mark the occasion, H&M pledged a donation of $100,000 to the Lebanese Red Cross to aid with relief efforts.
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“During these dark times, we are heartened by both H&M and the world’s support for Lebanon,” Mansour wrote. “We believe in the power of light and spreading it.”
