On womanhood, heritage and couture with Cynthia Merhej
Cynthia Merhej, designer and founder of Renaissance Renaissance, spoke with us about her heritage, what it means to work and live between Beirut and Paris in a womanhood environment and about her creative approach to daily life.
Photography courtesy of Renaissance Renaissance: Senta Simond and Michelle Aoun. Interview: Amanda Ballerini
Portrait of Cynthia Merhej by Michelle Aoun
Tell us a bit about your name. How did it take form when you started with your brand?
It was something that I thought about a lot, I wanted a name that really evoked my philosophy on life and on womanhood, and of circularity and dualities. It was important to me that it could be understood in different languages and could be a kind of universal name. The double name " Renaissance Renaissance " is a reflection of that as well. It's interesting though to see how people shorten it or name it and it kind of takes a life of its own.
FW22 Renaissance Renaissance Campaign by Senta Simond
What does ‘women-led couture’ mean to you?
As the words say it, this is where I grew up —environments where I had very strong female figures in my life who taught me all I know about the power of garments.
FW22 Renaissance Renaissance Campaign by Senta Simond
How does your work take different shape in the different cities you work in/live/frequent?
It's something I am still understanding, learning, and adapting to —living between different places. It really helps my mind expand and as a result my work. It's extremely exciting to be able to see how people dress in different cities and their approach to making fashion. It made me realize that the context is still so important, even though our world is so globalized.
FW22 Renaissance Renaissance Campaign by Senta Simond
Which elements from your female ancestors are translated into the pieces you realize today?
It's translated in every piece I do with the attention and respect I have for every aspect of the garment and the woman who will wear it.
Which movies would have been in your mind perfect to be costumed by Renaissance Renaissance?
The one that I will eventually make!
FW22 Renaissance Renaissance Campaign by Senta Simond
Are there any books or novels or legends that inspire your work?
I am quite a voracious reader, so it really depends on what I'm reading at the time. I'm reading a lot more non-fiction than I used to, but I am now returning to fiction. I love Rabih Alameddine, and I recently read Orlando by Virginia Woolf that I found so inspiring.
FW22 Renaissance Renaissance Campaign by Senta Simond
Who are your daily life muses?
My mom, obviously! And then all the incredible women I know who support the brand and wear it so well. I'm so grateful to them.
FW22 Renaissance Renaissance Campaign by Senta Simond
What does it mean to dress well in 2022? What do you think are the most important elements and how
do they differ from past ‘etiquette’?
I don't believe that any etiquette should be imposed, dressing up should be something that frees you rather than creates constraints. Wear whatever the fuck you want!
How does the future look for Renaissance Renaissance?
As we say in Lebanon — inshallah it's good!