Once admired globally for their elegance and refinement, Lebanese women were synonymous with charm, good taste, and a natural, simple yet sophisticated style. However, over the decades, excess and extravagance have supplanted chic minimalism among Lebanese women. A casual observation reveals overly tight clothing, plunging necklines, excessively long or glittery nails, cosmetic surgery-altered bodies and faces, and ostentatious displays of brands. The question remains: Why has a lack of distinction become the status quo?
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The pursuit of beauty among Lebanese women, characterized by a focus on physical appearance and cosmetic surgery, can be traced back to the patriarchal system in Lebanon. Marriage, a primordial institution, perpetuates societal norms that encourage women to engage in games of seduction that are centered around their looks. From an early age, girls adopt a hyper-sexualized demeanor, amplified by elements such as makeup, provocative clothing, fake nails, straightened hair, high heels, and fake eyelashes. In quest of an unnatural ideal of beauty, Lebanese women undergo numerous physical transformations.
Post-war Lebanon has witnessed the rise of the nouveau riche, a group determined to emulate and belong to a certain social class. In a world where fast-fashion mimics major brands, this group seeks alternative ways to assert their status. Oversized logos adorn t-shirts, shirts, and bags in a race for visibility, transforming individuals into walking billboards. However, true elegance lies in discretion, a notion forgotten by Lebanon’s nouveau riche.
Social media “celebrities” wield immense influence on the younger generation, who idolize them and shape their identities accordingly. However, it remains to be seen if Lebanon’s Gen Z possesses the maturity to differentiate between good and bad influences. Influencers, who often lack fashion expertise, flaunt their femininity in provocative clothing such as fishnets, latex, and plunging necklines. Young Lebanese women blindly copy these suggestive dress codes.
Additionally, Lebanon’s historical culture of “casual sportswear” justifies the widespread wearing of jogging attire, even in professional settings. The prevalence of sporting outfits on the streets blurs the boundaries of acceptable clothing, raising questions about the limits of tolerance in fashion.
