Darine Chahine and her dream of a new Lebanon

Dress from Hussein Bazaza / Earrings from Maison Mirath

Choosing Al Bustan Hotel for our photoshoot with Darine did not happen by chance. Nestled in the village of Beit Mery, Al Bustan is a witness to the history of Lebanon since the 1960s, the golden age era, until today, the most difficult period our country has been going through. And Darine Chahine is deeply attached to Lebanon; the star, host at the “Al Jadeed” TV channel, insisted that all the outfits she will wear during this photo series be created by Lebanese designers, a way for her to express her love for her country, despite the fear of tomorrow.

Darine made her first steps on television in 2005, and from one show to another, the young woman finally found herself with her ongoing "Ekhir Mouda" program that started in 2018. It’s a program dedicated to fashion. She told us all about it and shared other secrets, during our interview with her.

How do you describe yourself?

I am a positive person, passionate about my work, focused on the results, ambitious, motivated, constantly setting goals and always looking for an opportunity to do better.

What do you love most about your job?

Since I was a little girl, I needed to be stimulated by a competitive environment and push myself beyond my limits. Being a TV hostess is very competitive and that's exactly why I love it, I can't imagine myself doing anything else. In addition to that, I love my job even more since 2018, the year I started “Ekhier Moda”, my fashion program, as fashion is my ultimate passion.

How does your typical day look like?

I wake up between 7 and 8:30 am, and the first thing I do is kiss my daughter Yasmina, we play together while I have my coffee. Then, I check the social networks, so I stay up to date on the latest news or to post a photo or a message. Next, I head to the gym, then to Aljadeed's Beirut office between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. for meetings with "Ekhir Moda" team, until 1 p.m. Then I refresh my makeup for the weather and culture reports that I present on the television news set. I return to my office to review the latest news on art, culture and fashion. Around 3 p.m., I have my lunch with designers or people working in arts or fashion. Around 5 p.m., I go home to spend few hours with my daughter and my mother. In the evening, I have dinner at home or go out with my friends, but due to the coronavirus, my outings have become limited.

Dree from Georges Hobeika

Your biggest challenge?

Since I first started, my challenge has been to have a fulfilling professional life while staying in Lebanon, among my relatives and friends.

Three basics in your wardrobe?

I'm going to choose four: a coat, a sweater, pants and a pair of shoes, all in neutral colors that go perfectly with everything, and in high quality materials. For me, basic means comfort and quality.

Your relationship with social networks?

Social networks are an integral part of my day, they allow me to share my daily life, and most importantly to convey my messages and my opinions more easily and to show a more personal side, far from the image that the public sees on TV. Without forgetting the important role social media plays in networking and communication.

What’s the future of fashion post-Covid 19?

The fashion world has not been spared by the health crisis, causing a real tidal wave in the strategies of brands and houses. I think there will be a post-pandemic view of fashion in the years to come. I imagine fashion and fabrics reflecting the colors of the isolation we live in and the meditative lifestyle, such as comfy outfits in sand, grass green, stone gray and earth brown tones, as well as the growing trend towards zero waste and minimalist lifestyle because of the desire to save money. There is no doubt that the use of green fabrics and the shift to sustainable fashion started before the pandemic and will continue into the future. The "No Trend" phenomenon is expected to gain momentum, enshrining the wave of alternative fashion, which is in fact a new wave of anti-fashion. After the coronavirus pandemic, individuality, reassessment of values ​​and orientation towards timelessness will, in my opinion, be much more important.

Dree from Zuhair Murad / Necklace from Selim Mouzannar

Dress from Azzi and Osta / Rings & earrings from L’atelier Nawbar

Your projects?

My short term project, as my fashion show "Ekhir Mouda" was renewed this season, is to help Lebanese brands and designers and shed light on young talents, especially in this difficult period. I would also like to continue my awareness campaign on environmental pollution that I started long before the big explosion in Beirut; I want to continue to make my voice heard to allow my people to live in a healthy environment.

A dream?

First, For Lebanon to come out of this hell. We need deep and total change, and I think the next election is the most important of our lives. I love my country more than anything and I cannot dream of anything until Lebanon regains its grandeur and beauty.

Shirt and skirt from Elie Saab / Ring and earrings from Maison Mirath

Blazer and golden chocker from Elie Saab