After a long battle with illness, Basil Soda, a key member of Lebanon’s fashion scene, died on March 30th at the age of 47.

The renowned fashion designer opened his couture house in 2001, after 20 years of experience in fashion and Haute Couture. In February 2009, he inaugurated his atelier in Horsh Tabet, Sin-el-fil, Lebanon. His unique expertise in fashion design has allowed him to master a high quality tailoring and to gain international recognition. The Lebanese designer dressed a large number of Hollywood stars, as well as celebrities from around the world, including Katy Perry, Emily Blunt, Marion Cotillard, Jiang Yiyan, Morena Baccarrin, and Guiliana Rancic. In addition to his Couture line, his ready-to-wear collection was launched in 2010, and sold in selected stores around the world.

The funeral took place on March 31st, at the Cathedral of our Lady of Annunciation in Beirut.

Picture courtesy of Basil Soda.