On March 26, 2025, the Department of Design at the Ramez G. Chagoury Faculty of Architecture, Arts, and Design (FAAD) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) took a significant step in advancing its Fashion Design program by signing a strategic collaboration agreement with the renowned fashion house Georges Chakra Couture.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of NDU President Father Bechara Khoury; Dr. Michel El Hayek, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Antoine Farhat, Vice President for University Advancement; Dr. Karen BouJaoude, Dean of FAAD; Mr. Georges Chakra; Ms. Jennifer Chakra, Head of Marketing; Ms. Dorothy Chakra, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Georges Chakra Couture; Mr. Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol; and Mr. André Fahed, Director of Communications.
Fr. Khoury introduced this prestigious partnership by affirming FAAD’s commitment to collaborating with industry figures to enrich its programs. “We are honored to launch this collaboration with you,” the President continued, “and our goal is to always ensure a mutually beneficial partnership, where Georges Chakra Couture and NDU can significantly contribute to each other’s success”.
Chakra expressed his sincere appreciation to FAAD and NDU for initiating the collaboration, emphasizing that fashion design extends beyond the creation of garments—it is a culture in itself. “It is essential for students to nurture creativity, embrace teamwork, and develop research skills and a photographic memory,” he added, expressing his hope that these values would be cultivated through the partnership.
Through this agreement, Georges Chakra Couture will support the growth and development of aspiring fashion designers at NDU by:
- Conducting workshops and masterclasses on fashion design, composition, textiles, and industry insights
- Providing mentorship, offering students guidance on career development and professional growth
- Enhancing the curriculum, ensuring alignment with the latest trends in the global fashion industry
- Supporting students’ scholarships and financial aid
In line with the above, Dr. BouJaoude reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to delivering high-quality, hands-on education, reflecting NDU’s international accreditation standards. This collaboration will provide students with real-world industry exposure, further enhancing their academic experience.
This partnership marks another milestone in NDU’s mission to uphold academic excellence while aligning with international standards in the arts and beyond. It opens a new chapter for the Fashion Design program, reinforcing the university’s commitment to creativity, relevance, and industry integration. Through this strategic partnership with one of Lebanon’s leading fashion houses, Georges Chakra Couture, NDU is offering students rare access to the heart of couture, where vision, craftsmanship, and innovation converge.