Ibrahim grew up in Haret Hreik, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, in a building shared with his extended family. Cousins were part of everyday life, and weekly visits to Yanouh, his hometown in South Lebanon, kept him close to the village. He was more drawn to city life, however, enjoying the freedom to explore, go out, and meet people.

One memory from school has stayed with him: his teacher, Miss Dima, dancing in the classroom, unconcerned by the students watching. Her ease gave him an early glimpse of what it could mean to express yourself without constantly weighing other people’s expectations.

His interest in self-expression developed alongside a concern for social justice. Through debate and public speaking, Ibrahim explores women’s rights and human rights, interests he hopes to carry into his collections. He wants the choices behind a garment’s shape, material, and presentation to convey something meaningful.

Having been forced to leave home during two wars, Ibrahim feels these experiences changed him irrevocably and made him grow up quickly. During one period away, he stayed near CSB and passed the school regularly. Before applying, he began attending events and getting to know its community, finding a sense of belonging among people who accepted and encouraged one another.

His ideas often begin in conversation, with something said aloud, a friend’s response, or a story that stays with him. At CSB, he wants the space to experiment and develop those ideas, while offering his classmates the same encouragement he found before becoming a student.