Lebanese Fashion History

05/08/2026

I'm honored to see my work featured by CNN Arabic.

This recognition is about bringing a forgotten chapter of Lebanon's textile heritage back into the global conversation and demonstrating that our cultural legacy deserves the same level of research, preservation, and appreciation as any other in the world.

By documenting, and reconstructing the surviving embroidery motifs found on the 700-year-old Maronite mummies of Hadath El Jebbeh and transforming them into digital patterns so they can once again be studied, stitched, and preserved for future generations.

Heritage doesn't survive by being admired. It survives by being remembered.

Interviewed by: Jocelyne F. AL Aawar

🇱🇧🤍

03/08/2026

https://arabic.cnn.com/style/article/2026/08/01/700-year-old-lebanese-embroidery-motifs-enter-the-digital-world

حوّل مصمم الأزياء والباحث اللبناني جو شليطا تسع زخارف تطريز من القرن الثالث عشر إلى مجموعة رقمية متكاملة، بهدف حفظ هذا الإرث اللبناني الذي يعود إلى أكثر من 700 عام.

19/07/2026

التطريز اللبناني الماروني الأصيل
These are the oldest surviving embroidered garments ever discovered in Lebanon.

Hidden inside a cave for more than 700 years, the 13th-century Maronite mummies of Hadath preserve one of the country's most extraordinary textile traditions.

I documented every surviving embroidery, hand-draw every motif, and reconstructed the surviving patterns into digital cross-stitch charts, allowing these medieval Lebanese embroideries to be recreated by hand for the first time in centuries.

Every stitch was studied. Every motif was carefully reconstructed. Every pattern is a step toward ensuring that Lebanon's textile heritage is preserved, not forgotten.

Filmography: Mohamad khalidi

18/07/2026

From the rare archives of Zekrayat Sabah, this photograph captures the Lebanese icon Sabah wearing a traditional Lebanese costume in 1951 in exquisite craftsmanship.

The designer remains unknown. However, during this period Sabah frequently collaborated with designer Joseph Harpuni, leading me to believe this costume may also be one of his creations. Another photograph taken in the same studio session shows her wearing a gown designed by Harpuni, making the attribution a plausible one.

#الشحرورة

16/07/2026

My latest design of the Lebanese Tantour headdress encrusted with genuine fresh water pearls and turquoise on gilded brass.

11/07/2026

Before streaming, before social media, there was a voice that captivated an entire generation. 🇱🇧

Born in Tripoli on 14 August 1952, Ahmed Dougan rose to prominence after Studio El Fan in 1972, earning recognition for his warm, emotive voice inspired by the legendary Abdel Halim Hafez. His songs, including Ya Donya Helweh and Ahebak Ya Lubnan, became part of Lebanon's musical memory before he later expanded his career into acting.

A celebrated artist whose career spanned music and television, Ahmed Dougan remains one of the familiar voices of Lebanon's modern musical heritage.

06/07/2026

Honored to have been hosted for a special meeting with her Excellency the Minister of Tourism of Lebanon , Ms Laura Lahoud
Lebanese Ministry of Tourism 🇱🇧 وزارة السياحة اللبنانية

06/07/2026

Join me on the 20th Majal Design School for a special and an in-depth masterclass on the history of the Lebanese headdress - the Tantür

Costume and Headdress: JOE CHALLITA
Photo: Mohamad khalidi
Model: Lea Chahine

02/07/2026

A beautiful Fashion Graduates' Show LAU - Lebanese American University in the presence of Lebanon's First Lady Neamat Aoun and a wondwrful reunion with my Godfather since Mission Fashion 2007 , Elie Saab.
Congrats to the graduates and a salute to LAU for hosting the event with such calibre.

30/06/2026