PIECE TOGETHER
In a time of increasing tribalism, designer Christopher Esber reflects on the tragedy in Beirut, reminding us that our country is one of a multitude of cultures and that in fashion, as elsewhere, we don’t exist in isolation.
IN 2010, VOGUE ’S own Christine Centenera photographed a piece from my graduate collection at Australian Fashion Week in 2008, after I had graduated from TAFE in Sydney. It was a pivotal point in the brand’s presence within the fashion sphere; at such an early stage people became aware of my label and everything snowballed from there. Ten years on, being part of this issue feels like a chance to reflect on history and consider what the future holds as the events of this year will forever mark the beginning of a new age.
Growing up in Sydney to Lebanese migrant parents meant my connections to Lebanon and its traditions have always been close. The land, the people and the way of life have always been strong and present. My parents left Lebanon during the civil war of the 1970s, making the brave move to Australia to start a new life and family in an unknown place filled with opportunity. The best marinated olives, chilli oil and bittersweet lemon juice, which I am drinking as I write this, will always be the ones my dad produces from his garden. Mum and Dad come from big families – my Aunty Maro, a trained tailor, schooled me in patternmaking – and the idea of abundant family, food and joy was ever-present.
Beirut is a cosmopolitan city full of energy, creativity and beautiful architecture. Although much of my family lives in Australia, some are there – my grandmother’s sister, friends, distant cousins – and we all keep in touch and have maintained a connection. Theirs is a culturally rich and captivating city with a history that dates back 5,000 years, and its beauty is a culmination of Roman, Ottoman, Arab and French influence.
In times of economic downturn and with very little government support, the people of Lebanon have fought to preserve its historic beauty, with civil societies leading the charge to preserve old buildings in the city. Architecture shapes what you see and plays such an important role in the vibe and culture of the city. Losing those structures, and the pieces of history along with it, is such a sad thing. As someone who collects vintage furniture, I see the way design can be a time capsule for a certain period, and with all that destruction, all of that is lost.
Though all of my family in Lebanon live in Beirut, they are safe, but there’s always some unrest going on in Lebanon, and the current situation has drawn attention to what is happening in the country.
Posts on social media explain to those who might not know why the blast is worse than it seems in the context of the political situation and what the people have been going through. Instagram has played a large part in bringing about this awareness, creating a space for knowledge to be shared and helping people understand the situation. The next step is actually making the change happen – and a lot needs to happen. Until now it’s been out of sight, out of mind, so as big and extreme as this tragedy is, it has brought people’s attention to Lebanon.
The emotion felt by citizens of Beirut in the wake of the explosion is difficult to capture in words. The destruction of Lebanon is not limited to one generation, age group, gender or industry, it has affected every person of Lebanese decent and their personal narrative. Lebanon is a country that has seen its fair share of civil wars, systematic economic and political issues, and the recent blast was shocking and devastating. In the face of tragedy, though, there is always hope, as it ignites a force for actionable change.
Right now I am reflecting on the tragedy my parents faced, the hope they had and the opportunity they gave my family and myself – their decision to embrace change for a better future. That opportunity has enabled me to help raise relief funds for Beirut. When we posted about it on the Christopher Esber Instagram account, I was taken aback by the level of support and the well-wishes expressed by people who follow the brand and from friends in the industry. I was also reminded of the importance of community and of having like-minded people around you who can converse together and create real dialogue, so that rather than internalising those thoughts and not having a voice, we can speak up about issues and share our concerns. In all aspects of life, this is so important – it can keep us connected, and it can ignite change.
“As big as this tragedy is, it has brought people’s attention to Lebanon”