Paris Book Festival Celebrates Moroccan Literature

Recognized for its linguistic and cultural diversity, the Kingdom of Morocco will be in the spotlight at the 2025 edition of the Paris Book Festival. Moroccan literature, spanning Arabic, Amazigh, French, English, and Spanish, reflects a unique cultural mosaic. Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitaïl, highlighted the pride associated with ...

The Boiler Suit: Effortless Style with a Timeless Edge

The boiler suit, also known as coveralls or jumpsuits, holds an effortless appeal that lies in its effortlessness. You simply zip it up, embellish it with a statement element and find the appropriate bag and shoes to adopt the perfect style. Roots and Origin Once a sign of utility, conventionally created from thick canvas or even denim, the ...

Schiaparelli and Dalí: An Eternal Alliance of Art and Surrealism

This year’s haute couture week in Paris opened with Elsa Schiaparelli’s Icare collection, a tribute to the past, brimming with crinolines and corsets. Inspired by ribbons from the 1920s and 1930s, American designer Daniel Roseberry expressed his "desire to travel through time and craft silhouettes that echo the haute couture of the past," as ...

Zeina Daccache’s Stage Replaces Walls in 'Li Chabakna Ykhallesna'

The play Li Chabakna Ykhallesna delves into the struggles of Zeina Daccache and Joseph Jules, a former prisoner, as they navigate a society in crisis after years of confinement. Combining comedy and drama, with comedian Sam Ghazal, it tackles grief, family turmoil and the search for a future in a chaotic world. Directed by Zeina Daccache, the play ...

Bruno Tabbal Presents His Novel 'Le Pays Dont On Ne Guérit Jamais'

Bruno Tabbal takes readers on a remarkable journey with his novel Le pays dont on ne guérit jamais. At Le Monnot theater on Wednesday, February 5, from 5 PM onward, he merges literature and immersion for an unprecedented book signing experience. In his conversation with This is Beirut, Bruno Tabbal discusses his artistic and literary path. He ...

With 'Tropical Escape,' Zuhair Murad Celebrates Raw Nature in Paris

Displaying independence, freedom, but also delicacy and sensuality, Zuhair Murad’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection made a spectacular return to Paris during the Fashion Week. Haute couture shone in all its glory in a “Tropical Escape” of creative outfits where untamed nature and striking chicness meld seamlessly. Zuhair Murad transports his ...

Anjo Rihane to Strike Again with 'Mjadara Hamra' at Casino du Liban

Renowned actress Anjo Rihane takes center stage again in the one-woman theatrical masterpiece Mjadara Hamra. Written and directed by the acclaimed Yahya Jaber, the play promises a captivating evening of storytelling and raw emotion. Scheduled for February 1, 2025, at 8:30 PM, this highly anticipated performance will be held at the Casino du Liban. ...

Georges Hobeika Spring 2025 Couture Collection: A Parisian Tribute to Loss and Heritage

Georges Hobeika presented his Spring-Summer 2025 couture collection at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, a moving tribute to his late mother, Marie Hobeika. As he stated on his official Instagram account, “Maison Georges Hobeika Haute Couture Spring 2025 collection reflects how death represents a journey, a celebration of those whose exceptional ...

Rabih Kayrouz’s Genius Becomes Rooted in History at the Louvre

Rabih Kayrouz, a prominent figure in Lebanese fashion, achieves a remarkable milestone by securing a place at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The exhibition Louvre Couture: Objects of Art, Objects of Fashion, that opened its doors on January 24, 2025, will showcase the rich history of craftsmanship and artistic excellence through the ages. A Unique ...

Manel Mallat Brings Edith Piaf’s Legacy to Life at Casino du Liban

Manel Mallat will take the stage at Casino du Liban on February 7 and 8, 2025, to perform Mon Hymne à Piaf, a tribute to the iconic Edith Piaf. Orchestrated by Danny Bou-Maroun and produced by Cats Production, the show is directed by Kristian Abouanni. This musical celebration promises to bring Piaf's timeless legacy to life, with ...

Georges Khabbaz Starring in Berlinale-Nominated Film 'Yunan'

The film Yunan, written directed by Amir Fakhr el-Din and starring Georges Khabbaz and Hanna Schygulla, will compete in the official selection at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). This prestigious competition positions Yunan for the coveted Golden Bear award alongside globally acclaimed films. As one of the world’s top ...

The Beret’s Triumphant Return: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance

This iconic accessory has transcended eras, establishing itself as a cornerstone of timeless style. Once associated with artistic and intellectual circles, the beret now reinvents itself to captivate a contemporary generation of fashion enthusiasts. From bold hues to sustainable materials, the beret balances tradition with innovation. A Legacy ...

Loïc Nervi, 'Baker Beyond Borders,' Embarks on a Mission to Lebanon

The humanitarian mission underscores the significance of bread as a universal staple that unites people across cultures. Loïc Nervi's involvement, marked by his passion for baking and his commitment to making a difference, is a testament to the power of sharing. For Géraldine Ghostine, gastronomy plays a pivotal role in cultural outreach. "It ...

'Entre 2': A Hilarious Huis Clos at Le Monnot Theater

Written by Bruno Chapelle and brought to life by Jean-Philippe Azéma, Entre 2 delves into an unlikely situation: being stuck in an elevator… but with whom? The show features a set design by Laure Lepelley and includes vocal contributions from artists such as Nicolas Biaud-Mauduit and Lucie Biaud-Michaud. The play cleverly explores universal ...

'Diaries from Lebanon' Premieres at the Institut Français, Beirut

Produced by Abbout Productions and featured in Metropolis Art Cinema's Écrans du réel 2024 lineup, the Diaries from Lebanon documentary delves into personal stories intertwined with Lebanon's sociopolitical upheavals. Through a poignant and deeply personal exploration, the film blends individual narratives with the collective memory of a ...

Hady Zaccak Wins Best Director in Cairo for ‘Cilama’

It comes as no surprise that Hady Zaccak won the Best Director prize at the first edition of the Arab Innovation Festival, held during the feature film competition in Cairo, Egypt. The director is renowned for earning numerous international accolades for his meticulously crafted and deeply focused documentaries. This award reflects the filmmaker's ...

'Freekeh' Explores Grief Through Theater, Cooking, and Music

In Freekeh: It’s Been 40 Days Since My Aunt Passed Away, Hiba Najem delivers an immersive experience that combines theater, cooking, and memory. Inspired by the traditional forty-day mourning ritual, the performance explores the emotions tied to grief and the evolution of family traditions. Accompanied by Samah Boulmona on the accordion, Freekeh ...

'Sar Waet El Haki': Philippe Aractingi’s Triumphant Return to the Parisian Stage

Philippe Aractingi makes a triumphant return to the Parisian stage with his play Sar Waet El Haki, which has been met with resounding success. Running from January 8 to February 19, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 PM at the Théâtre de l’Essaïon, this work authentically explores inner turmoil and universal truths. The play’s success ...

Rain or Shine: Turning Umbrellas Into Style Statements

When Rihanna sang Under My Umbrella, she tapped into a centuries-old cultural artifact that has long been a symbol of practicality and elegance. A Step Back in Time The origins of umbrellas date back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and China. In Mesopotamia and Egypt, umbrellas were used as parasols to shield royalty and the wealthy from the sun, ...

Joseph Tarrab, Art Critic and Chronicler of Beirut, Has Passed Away

A journalist, writer, theater enthusiast, and art critic, Joseph Tarrab’s career spanned decades, resulting in a remarkable body of books and articles. Bestowed the title of Officer of the Order by Henri Le Breton, cultural advisor and director of the French Institute of Lebanon, on behalf of French Culture Minister Aurélie Filippetti, his ...

Rediscovering Mont Blanc: A Timeless Treat for Festive Gatherings

Mont Blanc is a cornerstone of French patisserie. This iconic cake takes its name from the majestic Alpine peak, its conical shape and snow-like topping echoing the mountain’s eternal snows. Mont Blanc: A Dessert of History and Symbolism While its exact origins remain unclear, they are thought to lie somewhere between France and Italy, two ...

Seeing Life in Different Colors: The 2025 Eyewear Trends

The 2025 eyewear trends revolutionize fashion with bold colors, eco-conscious designs and advanced technology. Glasses are no longer mere accessories—they are statements of individuality and style, merging functionality with cutting-edge aesthetics. A Splash of Color: Red, Purple, Brown and Green Color is making a powerful statement in 2025, ...

Camille Claudel and Rodin: Artistic Genius in 'The Mature Age'

A collaborator and muse of sculptor Auguste Rodin, as well as the sister of poet, writer and diplomat Paul Claudel, Camille Claudel made her mark on the Art Nouveau movement with a style that blended realism and impressionism. Her life was later brought to light in the book A Woman, Camille Claudel by Anne Delbée and the film Camille Claudel, ...

Those Same Old Christmas Movies that Still Warm Our Hearts

This nostalgic feeling, unique to the festive season, combined with a comforting sense of familiarity, explains the enduring appeal of the same old Christmas movies. Knowing the plot in advance reduces stress and reassures us through what psychologists call emotional regulation. Rewatching these films allows us to view the world with a childlike ...

'L’Auberge de Noël:' A Magical Play for Christmas Time

This Christmas season, L’Auberge de Noël, produced by Les Bouffons and written and directed by Bruno Tabbal, continues the tradition of captivating audiences of all generations. With Cynthya Karam in the lead role and an exceptional cast, the show promises to immerse the audience in a world of wonder at Le Monnot theater. Both Karam and Tabbal ...

Stylish Christmas Slippers: The Stars of the Traditional Festive Season

Christmas slippers have become a true symbol of the season, reminding us of a cherished tradition that blends history, legend and modernity. Over time, they have undergone a subtle transformation, fusing ancient customs with contemporary tastes. A Tradition Anchored in History The history of Christmas slippers is deeply rooted in the past. Their ...

Michel Tirabosco by Zahi Haddad: 'Le Souffle de Ma Vie'

On January 14, 2025, Le Souffle de ma vie will be published by Éditions Favre. Written by Zahi Haddad, a biographer celebrated for exploring themes like inclusion, diversity and authenticity, the book paints a compelling portrait of Tirabosco’s extraordinary journey. Two launch events will take place in Switzerland: January 16 at 6 PM at Payot ...

The Many Faces of Marisa Paredes, Almodóvar’s Eternal Muse

Born on April 3, 1946, in Madrid, María Luisa Paredes Bartolomé—known to the world as Marisa Paredes—grew up in an era overshadowed by Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. Raised in a humble family as the fourth child of a concierge and a homemaker, her childhood was marked by hardship. “I endured humiliation and abuse. How could I not ...

The Art of Wearing Red Lipstick with Confidence and Style

More than a cosmetic, red lipstick is a story of empowerment, growth and everlasting style. Its voyage spans thousands of years, deeply rooted in old traditions, and evolves into a universal icon of femininity and power. A Step Back in Time Red lipstick has an amazing past, evolving from ancient beauty practices into a universal symbol of ...

'The Room Next Door': Almodóvar’s New Emotional Drama

With The Room Next Door, Pedro Almodóvar delves into the complexities of friendship and life’s profound questions in an intimate and evocative film. The story follows two women, Ingrid (Julianne Moore), a renowned novelist, and Martha (Tilda Swinton), a seasoned war reporter. Once inseparable, the friends drifted apart over the years, each ...