Elie Saab launches degree with LCF

Fashion designer Elie Saab is partnering with the London College of Fashion and the Lebanese American University to bring “world class fashion design” to his native Lebanon. The two institutions along with the designer have partnered to

create a new fashion degree, Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, with the aim in creating a recognised fashion design course that is both “relevant to Arab culture and international in scope”.

The partnership marks the first major strategic partnership in the field of fashion design between a prominent international fashion house, a leading American academic institution in the Middle East and a globally recognised fashion college.

Saab, who is honorary chairman of the program, said: "The vision behind LAU’s fashion design program was to offer the region’s students an education of the highest possible international standards without having to travel too far from home.

“I am pleased with the agreement, which is a major step toward creating a regional hub for talented designers.”

Elie Saab partners with LCF and LAU

LCF will oversee the degree, consulting on the curriculum and delivering quality assurance services to the LAU, and the first year of the course will begin in September 2014. The course will be based on the standard fashion design courses offered at various universities in the USA, which are based on a four year curriculum.

Professor Frances Corner, LCF's head of college and pro vice chancellor said: “We are pleased to be partnering with LAU as their strong ethos for academic achievement mirrors that of LCF.

“Developing international relationships such as this is vital to LCF as we look to develop our own understanding of the global fashion market as well as share our own expertise with our partners.”

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Jabbra from LAU added: “Their expertise will provide our students with an even stronger academic degree in fashion design in line with international practices.”

Image: At the signing ceremony, from left: Dr. Jabbra, Professor Frances Corner and internationally renowned designer Elie Saab.