Kinamania is the leather label of Kristina Zouein, who studied management and marketing at AUB before falling for leatherwork. The brand's story began in Beirut, in Johnny Farah's leather workshop in Saifi, and while Zouein now runs it from Brussels, the making stays tied to Lebanon: leather is mainly sourced locally and the work goes to Lebanese artisans, with past projects involving Syrian refugee craftswomen and Palestinian embroiderers. In 2022 she launched 961, The Beirut Collection, a line of footwear handmade in Lebanon and aimed at giving artisans' families steadier income after the 2020 port explosion. Kinamania also runs four-hour bag-making workshops at her family home in Ghbeleh, open to beginners, where participants build a Muse trapeze bag or a slouchy Carryall in their own colours.
Kinamania at a glance
- 961 Beirut Collection footwear handmade in Lebanon
- Leather mainly sourced in Lebanon
- Began in Johnny Farah's workshop in Saifi
- Beginner bag-making workshops held in Ghbeleh
Who is behind Kinamania
- Kristina Zouein (Founder and designer). Source: today.lorientlejour.com