Hassan Idriss began painting at 11 and held his first solo exhibition by 1997. After studying at Central Saint Martins in London and learning from icons like David LaChapelle and Alexander McQueen, he turned to fashion. Here, he talks about his journey, being Lebanese and HASSIDRISS, his Beirut-based fashion house.

What inspired you to become a fashion designer?

From a young age, I was drawn to the world of storytelling through clothing. I grew up fascinated by the transformative power of garments and how a piece of fabric, through craftsmanship and imagination, can express identity, emotion and heritage. I’ve always seen fashion as a bridge between fantasy and reality, and that desire to create something meaningful and timeless is what pushed me into couture. It was never just about making dresses; it was about creating experiences.

How does Lebanese culture influence your designs?

Lebanese culture is built on an innate, almost effortless sense of taste, with an educated eye for beauty and detail. Every Lebanese woman is a celebrity within her own community, and she dresses with that awareness. This culture of refinement, contrast, and confidence shapes my aesthetic profoundly. Lebanon is poetic yet bold, timeless yet modern, and that duality lives in everything I create.

Can you share a moment when Lebanon played an important role in your journey?

There have been many, but the moment that stands out the most is rebuilding and continuing my work after the Beirut Port explosion. It was a turning point! Not only in my career, but in my understanding of purpose. Returning to my atelier, salvaging what was left, and continuing to create despite devastation reminded me that Lebanese creativity is rooted in resilience. That moment reshaped the way I view my role as a designer in this country.

What makes your approach to fashion different from other Lebanese designers?

Lebanon is home to remarkable designers, each with their own aesthetic universe, and that diversity is part of what makes our industry so rich. Many beautifully embrace the fantasy of the fairy-tale princess: glamorous, opulent, and rooted in a long tradition of elevating the idea of luxury.

My world simply explores a different fantasy. I design for the warrior; ferocious, powerful, almost otherworldly. My work leans toward the psychedelic and the emotionally intense, with luxury expressed not through flash but through detail, craftsmanship, and narrative depth.

Every piece is meant to feel alive, charged, and dressed-to-kill. For me, couture is a form of modern storytelling, and that’s where the HASSIDRISS universe sets itself apart.

Has Lebanon’s challenges and resilience affected how you work in fashion?

Absolutely. Creating in Lebanon teaches you to innovate despite limitations. Scarcity sharpens creativity, and resilience becomes part of your DNA. Over time, the work becomes less of a business and more of a family and a community. The instability pushes me to design with more intention and emotional depth. Every challenge becomes a catalyst, reminding me to create not just with my hands, but with my heart.

When you are not working, where and how do you disconnect?

For me, disconnecting isn’t about switching off; it’s about reconnecting with the sources that inspire my imagination.

You are well known for your bridal collection, but you like to experiment, something we witnessed during We Design Beirut. What can you tell us about this?

Bridal couture is a beautiful world. I love its romance, its grandeur, its emotional weight. But as a designer, experimentation keeps my creativity alive. We Design Beirut was an opportunity to explore new forms outside the fashion frame. I wanted to challenge expectations and show that my artistic vocabulary extends beyond the aisle. Experimentation allows me to grow, surprise, and evolve. It’s essential to my identity as a designer.

What’s next for HASSIDRISS?

The next chapter is about evolution, growth and reinforcing our roots. Although Lebanon continues to face instability, we are proud to be expanding here. There is something powerful about choosing to invest in a place you believe in and building beauty in the midst of uncertainty.

We’re currently renovating our showroom and strengthening our presence in Lebanon, while also developing a refreshed brand identity that reflects where the house is headed. This year, I launched Studio HASSIDRISS, a creative space that goes beyond the fashion brand where it’s an environment dedicated to exploration, collaboration, and artistic experimentation.

And of course, new collections are underway: bridal first, then couture. The future of HASSIDRISS is about pushing boundaries while staying deeply connected to our home.

If you enjoyed reading this, check out our interview with Lebanese photographer Roger Moukarzel.