Growing up in Baalbek, the city of the sun, Zein was fascinated by Barbies and sewing machines and knew he wanted to make clothes. His mother encouraged him, while his father and some relatives hoped he would turn his attention elsewhere. He continued exploring fashion privately, watching videos and teaching himself whatever he could. Their resistance only strengthened his determination.

During the 2024 war, Zein’s home in Baalbek was damaged, forcing his family to move to his aunt’s house, where he worked on his portfolio. After his father passed away that year, he felt more able to pursue fashion, although he was unsure where to begin. He enrolled in graphic design at a vocational institute, but fashion kept finding its way into his assignments. His instructors noticed and encouraged him to explore it further.

Zein had known about CSB and wanted to apply for some time, but doubted he would be accepted. Watching a video of the school’s 2025 fashion show finally prompted him to try. He wanted to help create and present a show like that, and submitted his application this year.

His designs might begin with a piece of music, a painting, or something someone has told him, before taking shape through research and sketches. He pays close attention to how fabric feels and moves, and wants to learn how to carry an idea through to a finished garment while developing a design identity of his own. Gentle and hardworking, Zein loves the Arabic language and enjoys listening to stories as much as telling them. His curiosity extends to people, animals, and the details of the natural world.