Dubai, UAE – December 2024 – Orient 499, a Lebanese luxury brand that celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage, is set to open its doors in Dubai at Alserkal Avenue this December. With a curated collection of womenswear, menswear, and homeware, Orient 499 brings sustainable luxury and authentic regional craftsmanship to the UAE, offering a unique shopping experience where tradition meets contemporary design.
Founded in 2006 by visionary creatives Aida Kawas and Frank Luca, Orient 499 has made its mark by preserving Lebanon’s artisanal craft traditions through slow-made products. Each piece from Orient 499 is handcrafted with care and attention to detail by local artisans, reflecting the authenticity and soul of Lebanon’s rich heritage. The brand’s offerings showcase the incredible skill and creativity of Lebanon’s artisans, with each item telling its own story.
A Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Design
Aida Kawas, a Lebanese designer with over 30 years of experience in fashion and craftsmanship, draws her inspiration from the cultural richness of the Levant. She infuses every design with authenticity, preserving traditional techniques while giving each piece a modern touch. Frank Luca, hailing from Belgium, has always had a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, influenced by his parents’ work as antique dealers. This appreciation led him to the Levant, where he developed a profound connection with the region’s artistic traditions. Together, Aida and Frank have created a brand that bridges the past and present, merging heritage with modern aesthetics.
The duo’s passion for discovering rare materials is evident in Orient 499’s creations. From the finest Italian Loro Piana cashmere to handcrafted textiles from India and the Levant, the fabrics used in Orient 499’s garments and accessories are of exceptional quality. The materials come to life through the meticulous design and craftsmanship at the brand’s atelier in Lebanon, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces that embody sustainable luxury.
Ethical Luxury with a Conscience
At the core of Orient 499’s philosophy is the dedication to ethical, handmade luxury. The brand is committed to supporting local Lebanese artisans, ensuring that their craftsmanship is celebrated globally. By partnering with artisans from Lebanon’s many traditional crafts—such as coppersmiths, glassblowers, soap makers, carpenters, embroiderers, and couturiers—Orient 499 plays a pivotal role in preserving Lebanon’s artistic legacy while offering customers an exclusive selection of high-quality, ethically produced products.
Each piece from Orient 499, whether it’s a flowing silk abaya, a hand-embroidered jacket, hand-carved mother-of-pearl home décor, or hand-hammered copper tableware, is crafted with attention to detail and purpose. These works of art reflect the skill, passion, and dedication of Lebanon’s craftspeople, making every item a unique and timeless treasure.
Orient 499’s Commitment to Cultural Preservation
Orient 499’s mission goes beyond creating beautiful products—it’s about preserving Lebanon’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship for future generations. With showrooms in Beirut and Dubai, and an online store that ships globally, the brand brings Lebanese artistry to the world, ensuring that these traditional skills endure in a modern context. Orient 499’s Dubai launch at Alserkal Avenue this December promises to offer Dubai’s discerning customers a thoughtfully curated selection of ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and homeware, all imbued with a sense of cultural pride and timeless artistry.
A Unique Shopping Experience in Dubai
Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s renowned art and culture hub, provides the perfect setting for Orient 499’s debut in the UAE. With its contemporary aesthetic and focus on cultural and artistic expression, Alserkal Avenue offers a vibrant platform for the brand’s sustainable luxury offerings. The opening of Orient 499 marks a new chapter in Dubai’s luxury retail scene, as it brings an elevated shopping experience that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural heritage.
Orient 499’s collection is designed to appeal to customers who value high-quality, sustainable fashion that supports the preservation of traditional crafts. The brand’s designs seamlessly blend contemporary flair with the rich history of the Levant, offering an exclusive selection of timeless, handcrafted pieces that are as unique as the artisans who create them.
About Orient 499
Founded by Aida Kawas and Frank Luca in 2006, Orient 499 is a Lebanese brand dedicated to preserving Lebanon’s cultural heritage through sustainable luxury fashion and homeware. Every piece is handcrafted by local artisans, including coppersmiths, glassmakers, woodworkers, and couturiers, who add their unique touch to the collections. Orient 499’s mission is to promote Lebanon’s heritage through ethically produced, high-fashion garments and homeware, supporting local craftspeople and ensuring that traditional Lebanese skills endure for future generations. With a focus on blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship, Orient 499 creates high-quality pieces that celebrate regional artisanal legacies.
For more information, visit orient499.com
