Arab Americans

Dareen Hakim

INSPIRATION

Dareen was born in Beirut and grew up enveloped in a culture vibrant with the ancient beauty and sensual poetry of Lebanese life. Influenced by Lebanon’s dynamic landscape, a magical swirl of archaeological ruins juxtaposed with gleaming glassy high-rises, Dareen became dually intrigued by the fluid mosaic of modern fashion set against the country’s historical backdrop. This contrast of old and new influences her still today, contributing to the mix of authenticity and modern elegance in her coveted designs.

Sumptuous leathers, arabesque calligraphy, dramatic hues – all form the basis of style behind each Dareen Hakim creation. Celebrating at once tradition and function, her collection’s clutches enjoy a favored status among women inspired to carry a contagiously cool piece of art, one that instantly communicates both warmth and chic.

The inscriptions on a Dareen Hakim bag reflect the designer’s fascination with the momentous spirit of her childhood. Within the turmoil of Lebanon’s earlier days, she saw people value life and cherish every day as though it was their last. This combined feeling of resilience, strength, happiness, love, laughter and appreciation of beauty in life’s simple pleasures left an impression she shares through the subtle scripted messages on her bags.

Currently dividing her time between New York and California, Dareen also often travels back home in search of childhood wonders and new inspirations. She can constantly be found sketching designs – elaborate scribbles she will interpret with an eye to creating a handbag every modern woman, young or wise, will want to count as her own.

BACKGROUND

Dareen received her MBA from Harvard Business School and developed her skills and discipline on Wall Street, working to advise young businesses and large corporations. Following an early career in finance, she decided to transfer her talents into industry and pursue a lifelong interest in fashion and beauty. After managing worldwide beauty brands at L’Oreal Paris and Maybelline New York, Dareen finally ventured off on her own and pursued her dream of building a one-of-a-kind fashion line. Naturally, she began with her favorite accessory … handbags.

In her spare time, Dareen enjoys and encourages those around her to share in her passions for drawing, sculpting, painting, dancing (flamenco, belly dancing and hip-hop are her faves), as well as exploring the globe with travels to more than 30 countries (and counting!). Fluent in French and Spanish in addition to her native Arabic and adopted English, Dareen has always indulged in global cultures and expressive arts.