Creative Space Beirut: Fashioning hope in times of crisis

Creative Space Beirut (CSB) is refashioning Lebanon’s design scene through its radical commitment to accessibility. Founded in 2011 by Sarah Hermez and her former professor Caroline Simonelli, CSB was conceived as a response to the exclusivity of the global fashion industry, offering tuition-free education to talented youth from underprivileged backgrounds. Over a decade later, it has evolved into a rigorous three-year programme that empowers students with technical skills, creative vision and industry connections—all without financial barriers. 

“Our founder, Sarah Hermez, was eager to find a way to merge her two passions—creativity and social justice—and for fashion to be more than just creating clothes for wealthy clients; rather, to be a vehicle for positive social change,” the team explains to Dazed MENA. While the programme began nascent as a three-month pilot offering free design workshops for disenfranchised creatives, it has since blossomed into a fully-fledged institution. “We are inspired every day by the talent of our incredible students, the successes of our alumni, and by the tenacity of our creative community.”

Lebanon is brimming with creativity but constrained by unfortunate systemic obstacles; CSB confronts this challenge head-on. High tuition costs, limited resources and the ancillary of the design world have long kept many promising voices out of the conversations. In Beirut, where economic instability and a lack of government support exacerbate these issues, the school’s work is more vital than ever. “By providing free education and alumni support, we are aiming to break down socioeconomic barriers and help create a sustainable, innovative ecosystem where every aspiring creative, no matter their background, has a real shot at success and an outlook on design that is progressive and responsible,” the school’s team elucidate. 

Central to CSB’s mission is its integration of Lebanon’s wealth of artisanal traditions with forward-thinking design methods. In collaborating with local craftspeople, cultural organisations, ateliers and buyers, the school integrates its students into the local creative ecosystem. These partnerships become symbiotic and reflexive, serving to preserve cultural heritage and encourage students to reimagine their surroundings with innovative thinking. “We encourage students to find inspiration within, viewing local culture as alive and evolving – not merely as a tradition to preserve but as a foundation on which new stories and narratives are built,” the team says.

The success of CSB’s alumni is telling of the programme’s impact. Graduates have launched brands, secured roles in global fashion hubs and earned prestigious accolades, fostering a more equitable and innovative creative economy. The school has nurtured a remarkable roster of designers: Roni Helou, Ahmed Amer, and Amir Al Kasm have gone on to win Fashion Trust Arabia awards, and Heba Nahle has gone on to establish herself in Milan’s design world. “Every time a CSB graduate achieves something remarkable, our mission is reaffirmed and our commitment deepens,” the team tells Dazed MENA. “These moments define our work, capturing the essence of what CSB stands for – empowering talented individuals to redefine possibilities and create meaningful change in their fields.”

Ultimately, CSB’s hope hinges on building a regional network of interconnected educational and production hubs that champion sustainability, inclusivity and collaboration. In emphasising social responsibility, ethical practices and cross-border cooperation, the school aspires for a future where the creative economy of Southwest Asia and North Africa is thriving and equitable. “Our vision is a cross-border ecosystem where creatives collaborate to use local resources mindfully, uplift our culture, be critical when we need to, and lead with purpose,” the school’s team conveys. “This means fostering a creative economy that celebrates local talent, encourages eco-friendly production and values transparency.”

The global fashion industry is still characterised by exclusivity, but CSB is offering a compelling alternative. As the adage goes, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and that is what they are doing, living by their values to affect change in Lebanon. “For us, creativity and design are forms of resistance and powerful problem-solving tools for adaptation and meaningful change,” the team shares. “In Lebanon, creativity has long been a source of strength and pride, especially in times of crisis. Despite immense challenges, creativity endures, inspiring new ways to preserve, survive and thrive. This is what drives us forward.”

In the wake of Israel’s recent bombardment of Lebanon, which displaced over one million people, the school mobilised its community to respond with immediacy and purpose. “Our alumni are leveraging their skills to come up with design solutions to support the displaced with winter approaching,” the team imparts. “In parallel, our students are working with Warde Fabrics to produce blankets for the country’s displaced population.” Beyond harnessing talent and reshaping design education, Creative Space Beirut is teaching compassion – an increasingly rare but profoundly essential priority.