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Garen DemerdjianLebanese designer
Country:
 France |
Content:
- Garen Demerdjian: A Lebanese Designer with a Global Reach
- From War to Artistic Beginnings
- A Passion for Fashion
- International Recognition
- The Birth of 'Gardem'
- Critical Acclaim and Global Presence
- Continued Success and Innovation
- Collaboration with Basil Soda
Garen Demerdjian: A Lebanese Designer with a Global Reach
Garen Demerdjian, a Lebanese designer of Armenian descent, hails from Beirut, Lebanon. His conceptual collections have garnered international acclaim. From a young age, Demerdjian pursued art and painting in his home country.
From War to Artistic Beginnings
During the Lebanese Civil War, Demerdjian's family relocated to Greece, where his mother's family resided. He continued his academic pursuits and honed his painting skills. His artwork was showcased in renowned galleries. After the war, he returned to Beirut and enrolled in the Academy of Beaux Arts, graduating in 1996.
A Passion for Fashion
Demerdjian channeled his artistic talent into his lifelong passion: fashion design. He was accepted into Esmod University in Paris, where he studied fashion design and pattern-making. Graduating in 1999, he created his first two collections in his Parisian studio. These stunning creations were exclusively distributed through 'L'Eclaireur' boutiques.
International Recognition
Demerdjian's subsequent collections were sold in prestigious boutiques worldwide, including 'Maniac' in Tokyo, 'Liberty's' in London, 'Maxfield's' in Los Angeles, 'Penelope' in Florence, and 'Dantone' in Milan. In 2003, 'Eo Bocci', a talent scout and distribution company, partnered with Demerdjian. They have been responsible for launching designers such as Jean-Paul Gautier, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, and Rick Owens.
The Birth of 'Gardem'
In 2004, Bedie Moran, a business development specialist and international strategy consultant, joined Demerdjian to launch the 'Gardem' brand. The 'Gardem' Spring/Summer 2005 collection earned Demerdjian the title of 'Designer of the Year' and sponsorship from the British Fashion Council and 'Top Shop' for his debut runway show in London.
Critical Acclaim and Global Presence
'Gardem' gained widespread media attention, being featured on CNN's 'Design 360', Vogue.Com, Style.Com, 'L'Officiel', and 'The International Herald Tribune'. The brand expanded its retail presence to boutiques such as 'Colette' in Paris, 'Isetan' and 'Bus Stop' in Japan, and 'Princess' in Belgium. The Fall/Winter 2005/2006 collection brought Demerdjian a second 'Designer of the Year' award.
Continued Success and Innovation
'Laurent Suchel' became 'Gardem's' international press agent for the Spring/Summer 2006 season. The Spring/Summer 2007 collection was recognized for its design innovation by 'Cotton USA'. 'Gardem' established 'Gardem Distributors' to oversee production and distribution to stores and boutiques in over 13 countries. 'Lane Crawford' became the brand's retail partner in Hong Kong, creating an art installation for 'Gardem'. The brand showcased at 'Le Carrousel du Louvre' during Paris Fashion Week and continued to refine its offerings in subsequent seasons.
Collaboration with Basil Soda
In 2009, Demerdjian collaborated with Lebanese designer Basil Soda on a new ready-to-wear line for 'Basil Soda'. Demerdjian's creative vision continues to captivate the world, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the fashion industry.
