In the heart of Lebanon, where tradition meets modernity, Vicken Kendir’s story unfolds a tale of passion, heritage, and style. Born into a family deeply rooted in craftsmanship, Vicken’s early years were immersed in the world of design and artistry. His father, a genuine leather shoemaker, introduced him to the meticulous art of shoemaking from a tender age. Visiting his father’s workshop at just five years old, Vicken observed the intricate process of creating shoes from scratch. He would often help with small tasks like polishing or organizing tools, not knowing that these seemingly simple chores were sowing the seeds of a lifelong passion for fashion and design.
His grandfather, a skilled tailor, further enriched Vicken’s understanding of craftsmanship. The proximity of his grandfather’s workshop to his father’s allowed young Vicken to witness the delicate art of tailoring up close. Every stitch, seam, and fold taught him lessons about patience, precision, and creativity. By the time he was a child, he was already absorbing the language of fashion learning not only about materials and techniques but also about the dedication it takes to perfect a craft.
Additionally, Vicken’s uncle, who owned a men’s wear store, played a pivotal role in shaping his professional journey. Over 11 years, Vicken worked alongside his uncle, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of fashion retail. From monitoring workshops and overseeing quality control to managing stock, liaising with suppliers, and following up with clients, he immersed himself in the business side of fashion. These experiences sharpened his organizational skills and gave him a holistic understanding of how a clothing brand operates from production to sale.
His cousin, a leather bagmaker, also influenced Vicken’s path. Visiting his cousin’s workshop introduced him to the art of leather goods, further expanding his knowledge of textures, finishes, and craftsmanship. By the time Vicken was entering his teenage years, he had a deep understanding of how different pieces from shoes to suits to accessories come together to create a cohesive style.
The Italian Influence: A Style Awakening
At the age of seven or eight, Vicken’s fascination with fashion took a decisive turn. He began watching Fashion TV, absorbing trends, silhouettes, and details from all over the world. Among these global influences, Italian men’s fashion captured his imagination. In Lebanon, men often wore simple, understated clothing, while Italian men were known for their sharp tailoring, confident color choices, and meticulous attention to detail. Vicken found himself mesmerized by their suits, jackets, and accessories. The elegance and charisma of Italian style made a lasting impression on him.
Inspired, he started experimenting with his own wardrobe. He mixed traditional Lebanese elements with Italian flair, gradually developing a unique signature style. Friends and family began to notice his distinctive sense of fashion. Soon, local brands sought his advice, requesting styling for photo shoots and campaigns. At that stage, Vicken focused exclusively on men’s styling, confident that his deep knowledge of menswear and his Italian influenced aesthetic would set him apart.
Education and Professional Growth
Recognizing the need to formalize his skills, Vicken pursued professional education in fashion styling. He trained in areas such as body shape analysis, color theory, style analysis, fashion history, and image consulting. This structured learning complemented his hands-on experience, providing him with the theoretical knowledge needed to craft personalized and impactful looks for clients. His approach became more nuanced, combining creativity with strategic styling decisions. Vicken’s education helped him understand that fashion is not just about clothing, it is about telling a story, building confidence, and enhancing individuality. Every outfit became an opportunity to communicate personality, status, and taste, whether on the street, at a corporate event, or in a fashion editorial.
Breaking Through: The Lara Zankoul Collaboration
Vicken’s professional breakthrough came in 2019 when he collaborated with renowned photographer Lara Zankoul on a commercial fashion shoot. Initially, gaining trust was challenging. Vicken was relatively new to the professional fashion scene, and clients often hesitate to rely entirely on someone without an extensive portfolio. But Vicken’s dedication, attention to detail, and innovative ideas gradually won over Lara. Over multiple editorial shoots, she began trusting his vision implicitly. Their collaboration not only produced striking imagery but also cemented Vicken’s reputation as a stylist who could transform a concept into a visual narrative with precision and flair.
Creating a Brand: Italian Street Style Meets Lebanese Masculinity
With experience and confidence growing, Vicken has turned his attention toward building his own men’s wear brand. While the brand has not officially launched yet, he is deeply immersed in research, design exploration, and concept development, laying the groundwork for what he plans to unveil most likely next year.
His vision is ambitious: to fuse Italian street style with Lebanese influences, creating clothing that is both stylish and masculine. Many men hesitate to embrace fashion fully, fearing that style diminishes their masculinity. Vicken challenges this notion. His upcoming designs aim to demonstrate that elegance and strength can coexist, helping men express themselves confidently without compromising their masculine identity.
The planned collections will feature tailored jackets, well-fitted trousers, leather details, and subtle patterns that reflect Lebanese artistry. The brand’s philosophy emphasizes versatility—pieces designed to transition effortlessly from day to night, from casual outings to formal gatherings—allowing men to feel confident in every setting.
Philosophy: Growth, Passion, and Life Lessons
For Vicken, career achievements are milestones, not endpoints. He believes that every accomplishment should serve as a stepping stone toward something greater. This mindset drives him to continuously push boundaries, explore new styles, and expand his brand’s reach. Success, for him, is not about recognition but about growth, innovation, and creating lasting impact in the fashion world.
Beyond fashion, Vicken values life lessons that shape his outlook. He believes in enjoying every moment, inspiring and helping others, and living with kindness. He often reflects on the transient nature of life, reminding himself and others that we are only visitors in this world. This philosophy informs his work ethic and personal relationships, encouraging a balance between ambition and humanity.
Embracing Failures as Stepping Stones
Vicken stresses that mistakes and failures are integral to personal and professional development. “Don’t be afraid of failure,” he says. “Because of them we learn, grow, and succeed. There is no success without failure, and no professionalism without mistakes.” Each challenge he faced, whether gaining trust, refining his designs, or launching his brand, was an opportunity to learn and strengthen his skills. His resilience serves as an inspiration for aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs alike.
Tips from Vicken: Men’s Styling Insights
Vicken’s journey has taught him invaluable lessons about men’s fashion. He emphasizes that fit is everything, no matter how expensive or trendy the clothing is, the right fit is crucial. Mixing cultures can create a unique identity, his Italian Lebanese fusion is a perfect example. Confidence completes the outfit, and attention to detail elevates any look. Accessories, leather finishes, and subtle patterns are what separate good styling from great styling. Most importantly, Vicken encourages experimentation, fashion is dynamic, and men should never settle into a predictable routine.
Life Outside Fashion
While his professional life is demanding, Vicken emphasizes the importance of personal growth and enjoyment. He spends time exploring creative hobbies, traveling for inspiration, and connecting with family, who remain central to his life story. His values of kindness, authenticity, and curiosity guide both his personal and professional choices.
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