My Name is Mona Harakeh from Lebanon.  I live in Beirut. I’m a painter and a designer, by nature! Born in a house full of fabrics, colors and sewing material, as my father was a textiles merchant and I spent most of my childhood getting creative with whatever my hands fell on: sewing clothes & hats for my little dolls and stitching on little handbags. I eagerly kept on mixing and matching until, at the age of 9, I produced my very own handbag, and it was purely wonderful; I made it off of the left over material my mom used to make me a coat. It came to everyone’s surprise as they were all supportive thereafter of my talents.

Since my mom and my grandmother had the habit of sewing embroideries and cross stitches about most of our clothes, drapes, curtains and cushions, my bags were quite inspired by the materials they used, such as velvet, pure silk and satin, yet with a tint of modernity. I came to love genuine leather, and it became my favorite too: it’s native look gives me a feeling of comfort and treating it, is lean and easy.

It was a design nightmare and bliss when I participated in my very first exhibition, at the USA embassy in Beirut for Christmas Fair. I worked night and day for 20 days to complete 15 bags all alone: A-Z. Yet, the results were magnificent: In 2 days, I sold them all! It was the most amazing experience to feel the sense of accomplishment as to be utilizing my creativity in doing something I so much enjoy and be able to share it with others who like it. Right now, the most pleasant time of my day is the early morning, I take my scissors and get down to designing a bag and applying new inspirations to it; I don’t leave the work room before its time for chef d’oeuvre!