The attraction of creativity

ENAR

What do a building, a billboard ad, a handbag and a website have in common? They all had a designer involved in their production.  Despite its wide scope — ranging from fashion to graphic design and from animation to architecture — and its integration in almost all businesses, the creative industry is undervalued in Lebanon today. This lies in sharp contrast to the regional and even global interest in Lebanese design talent, but the good news is that a slow but steady, community-based effort is on track to bring more recognition and more business to the design community. The most impressive expression of this effort is Beirut Design Week (BDW), a tandem carriage of practical events and theoretical information dedicated to celebrating local achievements while conveying global design expertise. Maya Karanouh, chief executive of Tag Brands, a branding and advertising agency, along with her business partner Doreen Toutikian, are cofounders