As Beirut continues to recover from the devastating blast which took place two weeks ago, more and more brands are showing support by donating to charities helping those who have been the worst affected.
As a result of the blast, many designers based in Beirut also had their ateliers destroyed, including Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.
While the couturier’s atelier was decimated along with 80 per cent of the archives for upcoming collections, the designer has made giving back to the community the priority.
Murad has designed a T-shirt aptly quoting the words ‘Rise From the Ashes’ on it.
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“Join me in helping the people of Beirut who have lost so much during this devastating tragedy,” Murad wrote on Instagram, sharing the shirt design. “100% of the profits from this limited edition T-shirt will support the relief efforts of @offre.joie, who is currently on Lebanese ground responding to the humanitarian needs of the people of Beirut.”
Many A-list celebrities have already thrown their support behind the initiative including his biggest fan Jennifer Lopez, supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, Friends star Courteney Cox and Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara.
Last week, the couture designer shared a series of pictures mourning the decimation of his 11-storey Beirut atelier.
In an Instagram post on the official Zuhair Murad account, the designer issued a statement about the tragedy, sharing photos of the damaged studio.
“Although our Beirut headquarters are completely damaged, I am extremely thankful for the safety and well-being of the Zuhair Murad family,” Murad said. “May all the victims of this tragedy rest in pure peace, my heart is with everyone affected.”
The photos shared depicted a bleak picture of the destruction caused by the blast, which showcased the rubble left in the atelier including fabric strewn everywhere, destroyed mannequins, remnants of design sketches and more.
Murad, who founded the namesake label in 1997 with its headquarters in Beirut, shared a more personal message on his private Instagram account revealing his heartbreak.
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“My heart is broken,” he said in a social media post. “Can’t stop crying. The efforts of years went in a moment.”
A number of other Maisons have been hugely impacted by the blast, including Nicolas Jebran, Azzi & Osta, Tony Ward and more.
Designer Rabih Kayrouz was also greatly impacted by the blast not only at his eponymous atelier, but he also suffered a small brain haemorrhage, two clots and had to have 22 stitches.
If you’re looking to ways to help, find out more here.
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Feature Image: Getty
