Strapping The World With Style

Brigitte Daher, a young Lebanese designer, launched a new line of sandals into the market last week. Against all odds and amidst the political turmoil in Beirut today, Daher introduces a solution to all fashionistas’ problems – sandals that can easily be modulated into different designs, added colors and bling-bling accessories.

A full-time art director in one of the biggest advertising agencies worldwide, the designer is bursting with energy and ideas. She believes in change, creativity and hates routine in any shape or form and designing something new always helps break the monotony.

“I am always changing the way I wear my clothes. Change in fashion helps break daily routine. I never take the same road to work, I hate routine. I try to find a new way to go to the office, even if sometimes I get lost on the way and arrive a bit late.”

Daher also believes that designing something not only creates something new, but also finds a solution to a problem.

“One day I was thinking, I wish I had one pair of shoes that I could change to suit my different clothes and moods. The problem I have is spending a lot of money each season on several pairs of shoes. I am sure a lot of women will understand what I am saying,” says Daher.

The solution, in this case, was to design that special pair of shoes herself. She designed it for everyone looking for a small solution to their daily fashion dilemmas. “You can change the straps with different colors, add a bit of shine to your legs with some stones and more …depending on the accessories you choose to suit your different moods.”

Daher’s designs are under her nickname "Briiij", “ I wanted to keep it simple.”

What inspires the young talent? Fashion and trends change everyday. Her curiosity is enriched by watching what people wear on the streets. “There’s something new every time you look.”

Her love for fashion has driven her creative potential towards this career direction. “I would rather be labeled a fashion victim than a routine victim any day."

Her plan is to have fun with designing. Looking at the world with curiosity and grasping everything that surrounds us. “Creativity is like a game of Lego. You collect pieces from here and there, and build with them in order to come up with a new shape,” she insists. “This is why I think anyone can be creative… finding a solution to any problem.”

“I want to try different designing in different fashion fields, and not restrict myself only to shoes, clothes or paintings. I want to try them all. I have so many ideas and so much energy that fall into different categories. The beauty of it is that I'm free to experiment and design anything that comes to my mind – no one said I have to just be a shoe designer - the sky is the limit.”- Nadine Fares Kahil

Briiij sandals ($70), Gladiator sandals ($80), plus additional straps ($10- $30). Currently sold in Beirut- orders can be made through briiij@hotmail.com.

Photo credits: (top left) Designer Brigitte Daher surrounded by her "Briiij" sandals.