Born in Exile: A Nostalgic Love Letter to Libya
At Dubai Fashion Week, fashion label Born in Exile, under the creative direction of Ibrahim Shebani, unveiled its latest collection as a tribute to Libya. Shebani’s designs aim to honor Libya’s rich culture and heritage, making his brand one of the few high fashion labels to emerge from the country.
“We revisit our traditional attire, giving it a modern twist inspired by our cultural roots,” Shebani expressed, reflecting on Libya’s tumultuous past.
“The Geopolitical Influence on Fashion”
During the civil war in Libya in 2014, a bronze statue in Tripoli was stolen and destroyed by extremist militias. Shebani drew inspiration from this tragic event for his collection, emphasizing the resilience of a nation’s history.
“This collection serves as a nostalgic tribute to a place I called home for a decade,” Shebani shared.
Born in Germany and raised in Egypt and Libya, Shebani currently operates his brand in Tunisia.
Tunisia’s local production capabilities impressed Shebani, who criticized European brands for outsourcing manufacturing to Tunisia but labeling products as “Made in Europe.”
Shebani highlighted the need to educate consumers about the origins of luxury goods and the underappreciated regional brands in the Middle East.
To support regional designers, Shebani stressed the importance of strengthening fashion infrastructure and involving all stakeholders in the industry.