WORDS BY BETHANIE ASHTON
Born and raised in Lebanon, Eric Ritter released his political label, Emergency Room Beirut in 2018.
Most would call Ritter revolutionary, while the Middle East are late to join the recycled fashion, or fashion rental landscape, Emergency Room took a leap of faith in the right direction.
Ritter and his team recycle and repurpose clothing into relaxed wearables that are highly vibrant, often multifunctional, and convey a message of environmental activism.
Emergency Room Beirut is a meshing of stories, from generational vendors selling secondhand clothing in the souks of Tripoli, to the seamstresses that Ritter trained himself, and of the reclaimed articles of clothing that have a story of their own.
In its teething years, Emergency Room Beirut has been tested by major disasters, including the Beirut Blasts (2020), and global pandemic (2020/2).
Quoted by Fashion Trust Arabia, “As a brand we believe that the grass is not greener elsewhere, it is simply green wherever we water it, hence our desire to strongly communicate our presence in Lebanon.”
One might assume that the emerging designer is wise beyond his years, but it is this level of maturity that so desperately lacks in Western culture. Rather than trying to make perfect, Ritter fuses the ideals of old and new, pronouncing imperfections in his designs.
Emergency Room Beirut is among several young labels in Lebanon setting the benchmark in recycled fashion and building a circular culture. Its collection is bespoke and one-of-a-kind, an in-demand label that you should Bookmark in 2023.
STARCO CENTER – BLOCK C
RIZKALLAH STREET
BEIRUT, LEBANON
+961 71 565 716
INFO@EMERGENCYROOMBEIRUT.COM
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The greatest form of resistance is standing your ground.