On March 26, 2025, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) made a significant advancement in its fashion design program, offered by the Department of Design at the Ramez G. Chagoury Faculty of Architecture, Arts, and Design (FAAD), by signing a strategic collaboration agreement with the renowned fashion house Georges Chakra Couture.
The agreement was signed 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; Georges Chakra; Jennifer Chakra, Head of Marketing; and Dorothy Chakra, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Georges Chakra Couture. Also present from NDU were Dr. Karen BouJaoude, Dean of FAAD; Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol; and André Fahd, 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”.
This partnership bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practice, equipping the next generation of designers with the mindset, discipline, and creativity essential to thrive in today’s global fashion landscape. “We are not simply teaching students how to create garments,” said Georges Chakra. “We are shaping a creative culture, one that values teamwork, research, collaboration, and visual memory.”
Through this partnership, Georges Chakra will actively contribute to the Fashion Design program 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.