JOHNNY FARAH

Established in New York in 1980 by the Lebanese American designer of the same name, JOHNNY FARAH offers a range of high-end leather goods including handbags, belts, shoes and accessories.

Johnny Farah’s early influences came from Copenhagen. While living there in the 1970s, he developed a particular interest in the simplicity and practicality of Scandinavian architecture and furniture design. It was his life-changing encounters with architects like Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner that were the catalyst for Johnny’s decision to leave mechanical engineering school and concentrate on his design, which up until then was only a means to support his studies.

Johnny has also worked and lived in Beirut, New York and Istanbul. He opened his first boutique named “IF” after a British movie with the same name, in Beirut in the late 70s together with his sister Jeannette and Soha Farah.

Shortly after they opened another “IF” on West Broadway in SoHo, NYC that was one of the first designer clothing stores to open in the SoHo area and is still there today on Grand Street.

The Collections at “IF”, from some of the world’s most highly acclaimed European and Japanese designers continue to play a distinct role in the New York fashion scene.

Today, Johnny owns five IF shops in Beirut, New York and Dubai.

Throughout the 1990’s Johnny worked as the head accessories designer for a number of high-end labels including Cole Haan and Donna Karan.

Johnny now lives and works in Beirut where he operates his Johnny Farah leather workshops, owns an organic farm and 2 restaurants in which he frequently cooks and creates dishes.

Click here to find JOHNNY FARAH at independent stores near you.