An Article by J.A. (652words, 3 min read)
Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz has achieved an extraordinary milestone in his career, securing a place among the world’s most revered fashion visionaries. His creation now stands proudly at the Louvre Museum in Paris as part of the prestigious Louvre Couture: Objects of Art, Objects of Fashion exhibition, which opened on January 24, 2025. This remarkable event brought together 45 international designers, celebrating the timeless artistry of fashion and its intersection with history.
A Moment of Reflection and Triumph
For Kayrouz, this achievement was deeply personal. Standing before his piece in the historic halls of the museum, he found himself overwhelmed with emotion:.
Here I am at the Louvre. Or rather: one of my creations is at the Louvre. It stands there, upright, behind the Chalice of Saint Louis, among the medieval French and Byzantine decorative arts.
A sense of disbelief accompanied his pride. As a child, he dreamed of creating, of crafting garments that would speak to the world, but never had he imagined his work would one day be displayed in the Louvre.
I cannot help but think of the child I once was, dreaming of growing up. But the Louvre? No, I never dreamed of it. The Louvre was for others. And yet, here I am.
His thoughts turned to those who had shaped his journey; his family, his friends, and his dedicated team of artisans.
I think of my father, who must be proud. Of my mother, whose smile I can picture. Of my brothers, my sister, my friends, my family.
A Creation Rooted in Dedication and Craftsmanship
Kayrouz’s piece was exhibited in the Medieval and Byzantine Art Department, positioned near the Basin of Saint Louis, a juxtaposition that underscored fashion’s ability to transcend time, bridging contemporary craftsmanship with centuries-old artistic traditions.
I also think of this piece, shaped with care, the result of countless hours of work.
This garment, meticulously crafted, was the result of relentless dedication, sleepless nights, and unwavering passion. He recalled the commitment of his team, especially Cecile, whose determination and craftsmanship had brought the piece to life.
I see Cecile again, determined to finish it before the show, tireless, delicate, focused. The sleepless nights. The perseverance. Then, finally, the piece walks the runway. And that’s how it is. We push, we let ourselves be carried away. We get there.
Now, that very creation stood in one of the world’s greatest museums.
Today, I look at this piece, there, at the Louvre. And I give thanks.
Recognition and Challenges at the Louvre
Kayrouz’s achievement was part of a larger effort to celebrate fashion as an art form. Louvre director Olivier Gabet, alongside curator Marie Brimicombe, commended his ability to blend heritage with modernity, emphasizing how contemporary design could stand alongside historical masterpieces.
Yet, this moment of celebration also unfolded amid pressing challenges for the museum. The Louvre faced ongoing issues, including water leaks, deteriorating infrastructure, and conservation concerns. During his visit on January 25, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged these difficulties and proposed potential reforms.
One particularly controversial measure under consideration was raising ticket prices for non-European Union visitors, a move that sparked debate over cultural accessibility. While such pricing models were common worldwide, critics argued that they risked contradicting the Louvre’s mission as a universal space for art and history.
Lebanese Creativity on the Global Stage
For Rabih Kayrouz, this milestone went beyond personal recognition. It was a triumph for Lebanese artistry on the world stage. His presence at the Louvre reinforced the role of Middle Eastern designers in shaping contemporary fashion and redefining artistic expression.
The Louvre Couture exhibition, now open to the public, positioned fashion among history’s greatest artistic achievements. With his work standing proudly in its halls, Kayrouz’s journey from dreamer to designer at the Louvre became a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of believing in one’s craft.
