From Boyhood to Business: A Legacy Passed Down
Nemer Saade wasn’t just born into a tailoring family. He was born into a tradition. “My father, my grandfather, all tailors,” he recalls. “Suits, patterns, fabrics… it was in my blood.” Growing up in Beirut, Nemer was surrounded by the sound of sewing machines, the scent of fine fabric, and the steady rhythm of scissors slicing through patterns. The world of fashion was never a choice. It was destiny.
At just 15 years old, Nemer officially stepped into the world of tailoring, learning the fine art of suit-making from the masters of his own family. “I grew up watching my grandfather, father and uncles craft suits,” he says. But joining the legacy wasn’t the hardest part. It was transforming it.
The Defining Moment: From Son to Leader
Everything changed the day Nemer’s father handed over the reins of the family’s fashion house. “That moment changed everything,” he admits. “Suddenly, it wasn’t just about tailoring. It was about carrying a legacy, facing real pressure, and becoming the man he believed I could be.”
With leadership came a new sense of responsibility. Nemer was no longer just a tailor. He became a visionary, tasked with honoring tradition while pushing boundaries. “I had no choice but to rise,” he says with pride. And rise he did.
Modern Vision Meets Classic Elegance
One of the biggest challenges Nemer faced was modernizing the family’s classic tailoring techniques. “It was about adding modernity to our legacy,” he explains. “Making tradition speak to today’s world.”
This bold approach, mixing timeless elegance with contemporary flair, quickly became the brand’s signature. Saade’s suits, renowned for their precision and elegance, are now worn by global celebrities, political leaders, and fashion-forward men who appreciate craftsmanship that never goes out of style.
Beirut Roots, Global Dreams
Despite operating from a region often marked by economic and political instability, Nemer Saade remained rooted in his home city. “Building a fashion house with 50 employees in the heart of Beirut despite all the challenges is my biggest achievement,” he shares. “We stood strong and we’re still going.”
Since 2016, the brand has been present in Dubai, a key step in expanding the fashion house’s global footprint. Now, Nemer is setting his sights on Europe. “Alongside our ongoing collections, I’m focused on expanding our reach to the European market,” he says. “It’s time to grow globally.”
Dressing Icons, Building a Movement
While dressing A-list celebrities and international figures may seem like the ultimate fashion victory, Nemer sees things differently. “That’s a proud moment, of course,” he says. “But to me, building something sustainable, building a team, keeping our heritage alive, that’s what truly matters.”
This mindset has earned him the respect not only of fashion insiders but also of young designers and entrepreneurs across the Middle East. His message is simple but powerful. Success is a slow burn, not a spark.
The Lessons That Shaped Him
When asked about the most valuable lesson he’s learned, Nemer doesn’t hesitate. “Patience,” he says. “Success takes time. Even when it feels like failure, you’re just building the foundation.”
This wisdom didn’t come easy. It came through years of trial, error, and perseverance. Today, that patient approach helps Nemer lead with clarity and confidence. “Stay steady, trust the process, and keep a clear attitude,” he advises.
Looking Ahead: Classic Never Dies
As fashion constantly evolves, Nemer hopes to be a reminder of the power of timeless design. “No matter how far we push boundaries,” he says, “classicism remains the strongest foundation.”
His goal is to be remembered as a designer who honored tradition while never becoming stale. “I want people to know that the timeless doesn’t have to be boring or predictable,” he shares.
Advice to His Younger Self and to Us All
If he could go back and speak to his younger self, Nemer says he’d keep it real. “Success lives on the other side of fear. Feel it but move anyway. Failure isn’t the end, it’s just a necessary step toward something greater.”
This mix of humility, heritage, and bold ambition is exactly what makes Nemer Saade a beacon of inspiration, not just in Lebanon, but around the world.
From a teenager watching his family sew to the man redefining Middle Eastern tailoring on a global scale, Nemer’s story proves that legacies don’t have to be inherited. They can be earned, refined, and reimagined.
Do follow him on Instagram
Read More: European Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
