Starch “Blueprint Beirut” wins big in London Best Curation Award at Utopia 2016

Starch “Blueprint Beirut” wins big in London

Best Curation Award at Utopia 2016

Starch has won the best Curation Award for its exhibition “Blueprint Beirut” in London, at Fashion Utopia 2016, at the British International Fashion Showcase, in association with London Fashion week.

“Blueprint Beirut”, organized by the Arab British Centre and Starch Foundation, and supported by the British Council, showcased the best of Lebanese design.

The image shows a group of people celebrating in a lively and joyful manner. They are holding up statues or awards, likely indicating a recent achievement or recognition. The group consists of both men and women, with a mix of expressions ranging from smiles to laughter. The setting appears to be an indoor space with light-colored walls and wooden flooring. Overall, the scene conveys a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among the participants.

Eight designers from the Starch Foundation, Timi Hayek, Rayya Morcos, Bashar Assaf, Nour Najem, Margherita Abi-Hanna, Joe Arida, Mira Hayek and Sevag Dilsizian presented each a piece recreating their personal reading of Beirut. The pieces were presented within Elie Metni’s (Starch architect) installation which is an interpretation of a traditional Lebanese home. View the gallery for photos of the event and of the designed pieces.

The image showcases a stylish exhibition space featuring illuminated display racks. The space is adorned with various garments, primarily in shades of blue. There are two prominent fashion pieces showcased on mannequins, one featuring intricate designs and the other with a flowing silhouette. The environment has a contemporary feel, enhanced by the bright lighting and wooden flooring, creating an artistic ambiance. In the background, additional garments and accessories can be seen, all contributing to a cohesive fashion presentation.
“Blueprint Beirut”

Sponsored by Bonaveri, the award was presented to Tala Hajjar by Bonaveri CEO Andrea Bonaveri himself. Also, Lebanon’s Starch Designer Timi Hayek came highly commended for Best Designer.

  • The image features a man and a woman posing together for a photo. The woman is holding a trophy-like award, while the man stands beside her with a smile. They are both dressed in formal attire. The background has a light-colored textured wall, and there are hints of other people in the background, suggesting an event or celebration.
    Tala Hajjar and Andrea Bonaveri
  • The image features a young woman standing beside a dress form displaying a striking garment. The dress is made of a fabric with a bold, leafy print and has a layered design, showcasing a fitted top and a flowing skirt. The woman is dressed in a fitted gray outfit and has her arms resting on a white clothing rack that partially frames her. The setting appears to be a fashion exhibition or showcase, with a minimalist backdrop and other garments visible in the background.
    Timi Hayek, “Three-Arch House”

The Arab British Centre’s Executive Director Nadia El- Sebai said: “We initiated the partnership with Starch Foundation because we wanted to show audiences in the UK the strength and diversity of the creative and cultural industries in the Arab World. IFS 2016 showcased the work of 80 designers from 24 countries. There were three awards and two of them went to the Middle East. This is very promising for the region and we couldn’t be happier”.

The image showcases a fashion exhibition featuring a variety of garments displayed in an elegant setting. The pieces are predominantly in shades of blue and are arranged on stands. In the background, there are several illuminated archways that create a modern aesthetic. The floor is wooden, adding warmth to the space, while a white table in the foreground holds printed materials related to the exhibition. The overall atmosphere is artistic and sophisticated, highlighting the creativity of the presented fashion items.
From left to right: Bashar Assaf “Discord”, Mira Hayek ”Bluebell”, Rayya Morcos ”Nawaret”, ”Cultural Jheiz” Nour Najem .

Utopia 2016 is an event celebrating the 500th anniversary of the publication of Thomas More’s Utopia (1516) which presented an imaginative and playful vision of the world as it could be at a time of great change, suggesting that many other visions are possible for the way we live, make, work, play and dream. Through a series of exhibitions, events, new commissions, talks and workshops, Utopia 2016 explored the relevance of Utopia to 21st-Century cultural, ecological, and social challenges and opportunities.

  • The image features a unique piece of jewelry displayed on a bust form. It is a necklace designed by Margherita Abi-Hanna. The focal point of the necklace is a series of rectangular panels that appear to resemble solar cells or tiles, predominantly in a deep blue color. These panels are arranged in a grid-like pattern. The necklace is likely intended to be a statement piece, showcasing a blend of artistic design and possibly environmental themes. Below the necklace, there is a plaque indicating the designer's name and title of the work.
    “Organigram”, Margherita Abi-Hanna
  • The image features a decorative fish sculpture, likely crafted from metal or a similar material. The fish has a stylized design with a sleek body and distinct fins. It is adorned with small blue and white embellishments, which may resemble beads or decorative stones, adding to its artistic appearance. The sculpture is mounted on thin supports, giving it a showcase effect, and there's a reflection visible in the background, hinting at a shiny or polished surface.
    “Origins”, Sevag Dilsizian

Photos: alexmaguirepix - Piers Allardyce (British Fashion Council)