Chanel Celebrates Its Love Story With Deauville
Bélinda Ibrahim 10/03 17:55 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Chanel and Deauville share a love story that lasted for over a century. When Gabrielle Chanel opened her first store in the Norman seaside resort in 1912, she could not have imagined that she was sealing the fate of her brand with that of this town. Since then, the two names have been inseparable, united by a common passion for casual elegance and ...
A Magical Evening of Timeless Melodies at Al-Bustan Festival
Bélinda Ibrahim 04/03 18:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
“Life without music is but an error, a tiresome chore, an exile,” Nietzsche wrote in a letter to Peter Gast in 1888. These words ring especially true in Lebanon, a country where culture and art have always held a paramount place. Just yesterday, the resilience of the Lebanese was celebrated at the J’ai deux amours concert during the 30th ...
‘Art Gems’: Lebanese Art Shines at the Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai
Bélinda Ibrahim 26/02 20:10 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Under the curation of Dr. Tony Karam and with the enthusiastic support of Christian el-Khoury, the director of the establishment, the lobbies of the luxurious Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai were transformed into an art gallery for the opening of the Art Gems exhibition. This event brought together the elite of the Emirati cultural world and the ...
And Aleph Created Musical Alchemy!
Bélinda Ibrahim 24/02 13:15 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Notes that transport. Music that bewitches. Aleph enchanted the stage of the Casino du Liban during “Dance of Sands,” his exceptional concert on February 23. Ingeniously merging Western and Eastern music, he presented his audience with a complete symphony for the five senses. By infusing his music with vitality, energy, and sensuality, ...
Al Bustan Festival and Puccini: 130 Candles Blown Out Together
Bélinda Ibrahim 22/02 18:37 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
While Lebanon faces multiple crises, the Al Bustan Festival stood up to adversity this year by celebrating a highly symbolic double anniversary: its 30th year of existence and the centennial of Puccini’s passing. It was in this challenging context that the lights turned on Wednesday night on the stage of the Emile Bustani auditorium, ...
In Beirut, the Deal Is in the (Fake) Bag!
Bélinda Ibrahim 19/02 13:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
The streets of Beirut are increasingly resembling a gigantic open-air bazaar… of luxury bag counterfeits! Kelly, Birkin, Lady Dior, Chanel 2.55, quilted bags, Hermès belts: they are absolutely everywhere, proudly displayed on the arms of Lebanese women or on the passenger seat of their shiny SUVs. “Look how beautiful my new Kelly is, I adore ...
‘Mother Valley’ by Carlos Chahine: A Cinematic Gem
Bélinda Ibrahim 18/02 10:56 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
In Mother Valley, Carlos Chahine delivers a nuanced portrait of Lebanon in 1958, capturing with finesse a woman’s quest for freedom in a changing world. This Franco-Lebanese film skillfully blends historical drama with intimate exploration, establishing itself as a major work in the cinematic landscape of 2023. Carlos Chahine’s ...
'Dance of Sands:' In the Beginning Was Aleph…
Bélinda Ibrahim 13/02 18:20 - Reading : 6 minute(s)
Known by the now-iconic stage name Aleph, he is set to perform on February 23 at the Casino du Liban. In his upcoming concert, titled "Dance of Sands," attendees won't just listen, they'll also be invited to "sing, pray and dance" along. In an exclusive interview with This is Beirut, Aleph shares insights into his journey and offers a glimpse into ...
Grammy Awards: Taylor Swift, Céline Dion and Intergenerational Disdain
Bélinda Ibrahim 12/02 11:04 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
“Respect is what we owe to those who have paved the way for us.” This is what Taylor Swift must have forgotten when receiving her Grammy from the great Céline Dion. Surrounded by her team and Lana Del Rey, she scooped up the Album of the Year Grammy from Céline Dion’s hands without even acknowledging her, apparently seeing her merely as a ...
'Last Call' or the Bittersweet Era of Notifications
Bélinda Ibrahim 06/02 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Ah, the era of notifications, that sweet melody of the 21st century that resonates with the harmony of an alarm at 3 in the morning. Ding! Your smartphone, that ever-faithful companion, calls out to you with the urgency of a general on the battlefield. “Last call,” you think, heart pounding, ready to face the invasion of the most catastrophic ...
‘Tnein Bel Lel:’ An Evening of Unbridled Laughter
Bélinda Ibrahim 04/02 13:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Attending a theater performance on a Saturday night in Beirut can hold its share of (good) surprises, as the Le Monnot theater provides so well. Such is the case with Tnein Bel Lel, an eccentric and bold musical comedy, distinguished by its originality and element of surprise. A true laughter therapy is guaranteed. [video width="960" height="960" ...
‘Redeeming Love’ Transforms Biblical Tale into Cinematic Gem
Bélinda Ibrahim 03/02 18:12 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Available on Netflix, Redeeming Love offers a heartwarming adaptation of Francine Rivers’s bestseller, skillfully weaving a narrative of unwavering love and redemption set against the gritty backdrop of the California Gold Rush. In an era where cinema often grapples with the challenge of marrying profound themes with compelling storytelling, ...
‘The Last Letter From Your Lover:’ A Tale of Love Lost
Bélinda Ibrahim 23/01 13:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
In a world brimming with cinematic adaptations, The Last Letter from Your Lover emerges as a poignant exploration of love and memory. Directed by Augustine Frizzell, this film, based on Jojo Moyes’ 2012 novel, intertwines past and present, weaving together two romances separated by time, yet linked by the power of love letters. While it ...
January Is Not Over Yet, So Happy New Year… 1984!
Bélinda Ibrahim 22/01 11:56 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
“Where have your Monday columns gone?” several people have asked me. Those posts that recounted the improbable adventures of the sexagenarians in a world just as improbable. I acknowledged that I lacked the typical lightness of those kinds of writings... due to the spirit of the times, no doubt… So, as I pick up my pen in this year, 2024, ...
The Timeless Realm of Art Embraces Hussein Madi
Bélinda Ibrahim 19/01 10:56 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
In the annals of contemporary art, few artists have succeeded in weaving a legacy as rich and transcendent as Hussein Madi. His passing on January 17, 2024, plunged the art world into profound mourning. Known as the “Picasso of the Middle East,” Madi not only redefined the boundaries of modern art but also served as a bridge between the worlds ...
Waddah Faris Was 'Larger Than Life'
Bélinda Ibrahim 15/01 17:04 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Waddah Faris, a distinguished figure in both Lebanese and regional art, has left an indelible legacy in the world of art and culture. He recently passed away at the age of 84. Renowned for his charisma and extraordinary personality, Faris not only significantly influenced local and Arab art scenes but also made a mark on the international ...
The Alain Delon Affair: The Sad Twilight of the Samurai
Bélinda Ibrahim 12/01 11:51 - Reading : 8 minute(s)
Alain Delon, an emblem of French cinema and a luminary of the silver screen, likely envisioned a tranquil conclusion to his life, immersed in the glow of his legendary roles. However, the final chapter of this cinematic Samurai is marred by a distressing family feud that has spilled into the public eye. Now 88, and weakened by illness, the ...
Tragedy and Oversight: Rallying Cry for Fady Ibrahim
Bélinda Ibrahim 05/01 14:18 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
The tragic situation of Fady Ibrahim, a distinguished Lebanese actor, sparked widespread outrage. Having illuminated numerous Lebanese, Egyptian and Syrian television series with his talent, he now finds himself in a critical situation, alarmingly illustrating his abandonment by his own country. The recent amputation of one of his lower limbs, a ...
Charles III Awards Ridley Scott, Shirley Bassey, and Emilia Clarke
Bélinda Ibrahim 01/01 13:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
The filmmaker Ridley Scott, actress Emilia Clarke, and singer Shirley Bassey are among those honored by King Charles III on the occasion of the New Year’s Honors, a British tradition celebrating outstanding contributions across various fields. Ridley Scott, renowned for his iconic films, such as Gladiator, Alien, and Thelma & Louise, and ...
New Year Around the World: A Tapestry of Traditions
Bélinda Ibrahim 01/01 11:17 - Reading : 6 minute(s)
New Year’s traditions around the world are as diverse and colorful as the cultures themselves. Exploring these customs, we not only learn how different societies celebrate the transition from one year to the next but also gain insight into their history, beliefs and values. Each country brings its own hue and character to New Year’s ...
Lebanese New Year: White as a Symbol of Purity and Hope
Bélinda Ibrahim 01/01 10:44 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Lebanon, a country rich in history and culture, celebrates the New Year in a way that bears witness to its ancestral heritage. Far from today’s ostentatious festivities, Lebanese New Year traditions are imbued with generosity, solidarity and a deep sense of community. At the heart of Lebanese New Year traditions is the symbolism of white, a ...
They Departed in 2023: This is Beirut's Walk of Fame
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-31 18:04 - Reading : 13 minute(s)
In 2023, the world bid farewell to a host of international cultural icons, personalities who left their mark on the arts, literature, music, cinema and many other creative fields. These emblematic figures, hailing from all corners of the globe, have enriched our global cultural heritage with their talent, vision and unwavering dedication to their ...
Crafting Tradition: The Artistic Journey of Michele Buonincontro
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-27 10:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
In the heart of Napoli, where the echoes of ancient artistry blend with the vibrant thrum of modern life, lies the Bottega of Michele Buonincontro. This workshop is not just a mere store; it’s a living, vivid embodiment of Neapolitan craftsmanship. Michele Buonincontro’s Bottega, nestled in the heart of Napoli at San Gregorio ...
The Nativity Scene: Between Ancestral Tradition and Secular Modernity
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-25 13:50 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
As the year 2023 draws to a close, marking the 800th anniversary of the Nativity scene, a spirited debate re-emerges in the heart of France, a country where, as Victor Hugo poignantly observed, “The shape of a city changes more quickly, alas, than the heart of a mortal.” This discourse, centered around the public display of religious symbols, ...
Tyre: 'Beit Nour' Celebrates Christmas Against All Odds
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-23 10:51 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
In this Christmas season, despite the distant echoes of bombardments in South Lebanon, the Nour family is preparing to celebrate the holiday with unwavering determination and joy. Georges Nour, his wife Hala, their children and the entire family will gather in their family home, “Beit Nour,” which also serves as a guesthouse. In this space, ...
Jacques Ouaiss Gallery Showcases Eclectic Array of Artistic Talent
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-17 11:03 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
The Jacques Ouaiss Gallery presents a panorama of talents, hosting an exhibition initiated by Lorraine Ouaiss as part of its “exhibition series.” This showcase of the work of eight artists and creators opened with a vernissage on December 14th, inviting art enthusiasts to explore a diverse array of works until December 31st, from 10 AM to 6 PM ...
A Canvas by Zeina Nader Graces the Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-14 15:38 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
In the world of contemporary art, the installation of a major work in a prestigious location often marks a moment of recognition and celebration. This is exactly what happened at the Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai, where the canvas "Serenity" painted by established artist Zeina Nader has found its permanent place, transforming the ambiance of the ...
Hamas-Israel War: Zara Accused of Distasteful Manipulation
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-11 18:31 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Zara, the renowned Spanish fashion retailer, finds itself embroiled in controversy following a recent advertising campaign. This campaign, featuring statues with missing limbs amidst debris, has drawn parallels to the destruction seen in Gaza. The fashion brand Zara is thrust into the spotlight not for its fashion creations, but for its ...
Ryan O’Neal: A Star Fades, Memories Remain Vivid
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-09 21:47 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
The announcement of the passing of Ryan O’Neal, a quintessential figure of American cinema in the 1960s and 1970s, has cast a shadow over the artistic world. Departing on December 8, 2023, at the age of 82, this brilliant actor leaves behind an indelible mark in the hearts of film enthusiasts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYV5-Lf65vU Ryan ...
The End of AIDS by 2030?
Bélinda Ibrahim 2023-12-01 11:23 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
A recent report by UNAIDS emphasizes that the goal of eradicating AIDS by 2030 is achievable, thanks to scientific and medical progress as well as political and financial mobilization. However, inequalities and obstacles remain. Thanks to scientific advances in recent years and unprecedented political and citizen mobilization, the goal of ending ...