We Design Beirut Returns After Four Years
A Beirut design fair has made a comeback after Lebanon’s economic meltdown forced a four-year hiatus,
2 min
After a long absence due to Lebanon’s severe economic downturn, the Beirut Design Fair has made a remarkable comeback, showcasing works in locations still bearing the scars of the devastating 2020 port explosion.
Creativity in Crisis
Ending last Sunday, We Design Beirut was a vibrant four-day event that displayed the works of over 150 designers and artisans across various venues in the capital. The event was organized by Mariana Wehbe and industrial designer Samer Alameen, who aimed to highlight the resilience and diversity of Lebanese design despite everything happening.
The fair, which first launched in 2010, had to be paused in 2019 when Lebanon’s economy took a steep downturn, later classified by the World Bank as one of the worst economic crises in recent global history.
Then the plans to revive the fair in October last year were postponed after the outbreak of the Gaza war.
A Hub for Design and Creativity
Speaking from Villa Audi, one of the venues of the fair, William Wehbe highlighted the work done to reestablish Beirut as a hub for design and creativity. The local design community has been hard-hit, with many creatives moving abroad for better opportunities, especially after the port explosion that destroyed workshops and disrupted the supply of primary materials.
Inside Villa Audi, a mirror installation took center stage while large mushroom-shaped lamps lit the gardens.
Lamp designer Zein Daouk said she turned to ceramics after the office of her architecture firm was destroyed in the blast.
Preserving Traditional Crafts
Mariana Wehbe highlighted the economic burden on local artisans, as many of them have lost their jobs as designers and they had to leave the country. She also emphasized the importance of preserving handcrafts, as some of them were “at risk of extinction.
In a testament to the evolving artisanal scene, Dima Stephan, shared how she learned how to work with rattan furniture and how she has been reinventing the traditional Lebanese chair-making craft, traditionally reserved for men, by incorporating modern design elements.
The fair also presented designs made from recycled materials, in a country known for its waste crises.
In addition to that, Plastc Lab displayed a giant installation made of recycled plastic and shaped like a volcanic eruption, in an abandoned textile factory in Beirut’s Armenian district.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Lamborghini Esperienza Giro 2024 in Langhe, Piedmont
3 min
A three-day super sports car driving experience immersed in authentic Italian culture, the Esperienza Giro brought together Lamborghini super sports car owners from across Europe for an exclusive tour celebrating the picturesque region of Langhe in Piedmont, northern Italy. Participants enjoyed luxurious accommodations, exceptional authentic dining, and an immersive experience of the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes, during the exclusive VIP experience all organized by Automobili Lamborghini.
Il Boscareto Resort and Spa, nestled between the hills of Serralunga d’Alba, provided a luxurious setting for the guests. Upon arrival, Lamborghini clients were treated to a two Michelin-starred dinner crafted by chef Michelangelo Mammoliti at the Rei Natura restaurant, which embraces the natural elements of the region in both its interior design and cuisine.
The tour covered a total of 488 kilometers over several days, beginning with a drive to the medieval Castello di Prunetto, where guests enjoyed a specially curated hazelnut tasting experience, a regional delicacy. The super sports cars then proceeded to Pico Maccario winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques, picturesque vineyards, and the historic Cru Cannubi wine: a bottle of which is recognized as the oldest in Italy (dated 1752), and considered one of the most important vineyards in the world. Set in rolling vineyards punctuated with the famous Pico colored pencils, denoting the different varieties of grapes and wines, the Lamborghini owners enjoyed a private tour of the production facilities and a lunch before heading back to Il Boscareto. The day ended at the remote 11th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a site of significant importance in Italian history and owned over the centuries by several noble Piedmontese families where guests attended a dinner in a medieval setting entertained by flag-throwers and a falconry performance.
The following day featured an exhilarating drive through mountain scenery with a coffee stop at BAart in Agliano Terme, a village renowned for its Barbera grape winemaking and gastronomy. BAart, located in the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Michele, is a community project that blends contemporary art with traditional regional flavors. The group then visited Castello di Razzano, a historic estate dating back to the 17th century, for a private lunch featuring local products, including the estate’s own olive oil. The day ended with a private dinner at Winery Cecilia Monte, where guests savored typical Piedmontese dishes and participated in a unique workshop using wine as paint.
Heading off on day four the Lamborghini owners arrived at Santuario dei Piloni for a mid-morning stop, in a craggy, rural area famed for its history and traditions; here, participants engaged in a truffle hunting experience with dogs, culminating with a tasting of the finest truffle. The tour concluded with a drive to Pollenzo, an ancient city on the banks of the Tanaro river and the home to the University of Gastronomic Studies. Reflecting the university’s dedication to culinary excellence, guests experienced a private lunch of Piedmontese specialities next door at Scuderie Sabaude, where the king of Italy’s stables once stood. Like each edition of Esperienza Giro, Lamborghini guests in Langhe enjoyed a holistic journey incorporating the exceptional and emotional performance of Lamborghini super sports cars, while celebrating the enduring allure of local cultural experiences, exceptional cuisines and Italian heritage.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
