LAU and designer Elie Saab partner to offer a Bachelor's degree program in Fashion Design

The exciting program, for which entry is expected to be highly competitive, will be open to students in Fall 2013. It will be housed in the School of Architecture and Design (SArD), under the direct supervision and leadership of Mr. Saab. The program is the first of its kind in Lebanon to merge an American education with such a high-profile designer.

"I could never pass up an opportunity related to encouraging young people," says Mr. Saab.

"When we began discussing the possibility of offering such a course, I felt that LAU could be the first university to grant students a truly academic diploma in the field of fashion design."

Supporting a local program for indigenous talent is a key motivation for LAU and Mr. Saab.

"It really saddens me when I hear of parents sending their children abroad to continue their studies. I have no doubt that our program will be on par with those of universities abroad," says Saab.

The program is also expected to attract some of the most talented up-and-coming young designers from the world's main fashion capitals, as well as from across the Arab world.

The BA in Fashion Design will be greatly enriched by its place within a distinguished liberal arts school, says LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra. "Fashion is a part of culture, anthropology and art history," he notes.

"It's a subject with meat and one in which students will be greatly stimulated by LAU's diverse academic offerings."

As the preferred designer of royalty and celebrities, Mr. Saab has put Lebanon on the international fashion map, says Dr. Elie Badr, who spearheaded the introduction of the program.

"Under the formidable guidance of Elie Saab, LAU will help nurture and inspire the next generation of Lebanon's internationally renowned designers."

The visionary ambition shared by Saab and LAU promises to make Fall 2013 the most anticipated season of all.