Inside the wardrobes and homes of the region’s most respected trendsetters and tastemakers. This week we enter the home of luxury PR Consultant Lea Yassine.
Whether it’s a gift from a designer friend, a piece passed down from her grandma, or something she unearthed on her travels, luxury PR consultant Lea Yassine has a home that’s jam-packed full of magpie finds. With a maximalist style ethic, her unabashed, more-is-more philosophy is as fun as it is contagious. A closet raid was definitely on the cards.
In Beirut my first shopping stops are usually Piaff, Label Queen and Depechemode for clothes and Madame Reve in Mar Mikhael for accessories. I love supporting Lebanese designers; it makes me happy and proud.
I usually shop when I travel; but mostly I buy stuff in Dubai, Paris and Beirut. In Dubai, My favourite shop is S*uce, I can’t recall ever leaving from there empty handed.
I enjoy shopping for my house more than for myself! I’m obsessed with homeware, furniture and accessories. I usually head for Cities Dubai – which I’ve nicknamed Disneyworld – and Orient 499 when I’m in Beirut.
I like my wardrobe to be filled with colours; the more of them I see, the happier I am.
If I had to sum up my style in one statement I would say sporty-chic all the way. I’m always in flats unless I have a special occasion, in which case you’ll find me in high-waisted skirts or a short dress with plenty of accessories, and a slick of my statement pink lipstick.
MY BEAUTY SECRET: A smile on my face. No matter how tired I am or how awful I feel, I keep smiling and stay positive.
BARGAIN HUNTER: Sales, sales, sales are my favourite of course! I must admit, though, I don’t actually enjoy the shopping part of them; I consider it to be a bit of a workout… but I do love the end result!
STYLE ICONS: My style icon is definitely my mother; she always looks so elegant. I hope to be just as attractive at her age. As they say, everything I got, I got it from my mama!
TREASURED PIECES: My Cartier Love bracelet, which was a gift from the man I look up to the most; my father. He has the key the bracelet came with because he also has the one to my heart! Also my stud earrings which were a graduation gift from my mother; the person who made me who I am today. A keychain from my sister Karine who lives far away from me, and a vintage necklace from my other sister Sara, which she bought from an old market in Portofino.
UNIFORM OF CHOICE: I collect hats and sunglasses; they’re what define my look. Sneakers are my ideal footwear, especially since I’m keen on comfort. As for the actual clothes, I’d say either a dress (super short or super long – extremes, basically!) or a mini skirt with a slogan tee. My bag, which is always a reflection of my mood, is usually bold and colourful.
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN: A handmade 1/1 necklace from Madame Reve, a selection of rings from Mukhi Sisters, a funky clutch from Sarah’s Bag, a hat from Maison Michel, sunglasses from Piaff, a headpiece from Aura, a lace skirt from La K – available at Label Queen – and, most importantly, a Fendi fur monster charm!
BEST FASHION ADVICE: Fashion designer Elie Saab – my idol – told me to always highlight my upper body in the way I dress, and to wear something that emphasises my small waist. I follow his advice!
