The goal of The Creative Space program in Lebanon is to guide students on the road to their creative ideals through fashion, creating an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration while promoting individuality. Throughout the two months, the class worked together to create an haute-couture collection, with each student responsible for designing and producing at least two garments that contributed towards the final collection showcased in a selling exhibition.
By Carmen H.—
Fashion is a miraculous world of fantasy and hard work that I always dreamed of doing.
I always wanted to enroll in a fashion school and I worked hard trying to achieve my goal, but there were always obstacles in my way. Finally, this summer my dream came true, thanks to Sarah Hermez, the founder and facilitator of The Creative Space program, and the Jinishian Memorial Program, which gave me the opportunity to participate in an intensive course in fashion design. From the first day of class my life changed positively. It was an amazing experience to socialize with people coming from different religious, social and political backgrounds.
Students with Sarah Hermez (right), founder and facilitator of The Creative Space program, and Caroline Shlala Simonelli, veteran designer instructor (3rd from left).In this materialistic world, it’s so rare to find people who help others to pursue their dreams and do not expect anything in return. In this case, our facilitator helped us in many ways, not only by teaching us how to make clothes and how to become designers, but also by helping us morally and psychologically through fashion. We learned how to become patient, how to give time to ourselves and listen not only to others but also to ourselves.
I feel so lucky for participating in this project. It had a positive impact in my life, changing my entire attitude toward life.
Carmen’s joy overflows with her sense of accomplishment.
