News Highlights
Author:
Dina Abou Salem,
Office of Information and Public Relations,
ifkhoury@aub.edu.lb
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Reem Akra Informally Meets with AUB Students and Faculty
 | Reem Akra speaks at the Suliman Olayan School of Business
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Renowned fashion designer Reem Akra paid a visit to AUB on November 7, 2003 and met informally with students and faculty. The meeting was arranged by the Suliman Olayan School of Business.
Daughter of Emeritus Professor at AUB Afteem Akra, Reem graduated from AUB with a BBA in 1982, the year that witnessed the beginning of her design career. According to Reem, it was during this year that she realized that she had a talent in fashion design. The AUB Fashion Club asked Reem to put on show her dress collection, which she designed as a hobby, in a fashion display at the Green Oval in AUB. "When I was on stage on that day I felt happy, and I realized that I want to pursue a different career; I wanted to be a fashion designer" said Reem. |
Reem traveled to New York where she studied fashion design. During her period of study she also studied at a design school in Paris. After having worked for various design companies, and traveled to different places around the world including the Far East, Reem decided to open her own business. In seven years, her three-room apartment which constituted her workplace, turned into a three floor factory and a show room. Reem sells her designed bridal and nightwear gowns in two hundred stores around the world, and her work is well received by fashion critics and reviewers.
Reem Akra concluded her meeting with the students by saying that AUB taught her: "If you have a vision you have to pursue it and nothing should stop you." Talking about her success, she said she believes that her background in marketing and business management, which she acquired at AUB, helped her expand and manage her business. She added that her future plans are to expand her business into manufacturing and designing products. |
Reem Akra is in Beirut for a brief visit to oversee the design of her new house.
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