Renaissance Renaissance

Renaissance Renaissance is the womenswear label Cynthia Merhej founded in Beirut in 2016 and now runs largely from Paris. A third-generation couturier raised in her mother's atelier, Merhej works in shirred tulle blouses, leg-of-mutton sleeves, draped capelets and sharp tailoring, drawing on 17th- and 18th-century Arab dress, 1980s Japanese design and mid-century Paris couture. Pieces are produced in small runs, sometimes cut from vintage cloth, and reframe occasionwear for daily use. Merhej was the first Arab woman shortlisted for the LVMH Prize, in 2021, and a 2025 semi-finalist.