Nov 29, 2013 07:22 AM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Elie Saab, the 49-year-old prominent fashion designer, has launched a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design program in collaboration with London College of Fashion (LCF) at the Lebanese American University (LAU).

The first design program will be offered at LAU beginning September 2014. The curriculum and qualification will be overseen by the LCF. The college will provide 'curriculum consultancy and quality assurance services to LAU.'

"Developing international relationships such as this is vital to LCF as we look to develop our own understanding of the global fashion market as well as share our own expertise with our partners," Professor Frances Corner, the head of the London College of Fashion, said, Telegraph reports.

Through the degree program, the haute couturier hopes to transform his native Lebanon in to a world-class fashion hub. Saab, who is honorary chairman of the program, aims to offer a curriculum that is both 'relevant to Arab culture and international in scope.' The program will be based on the standard fashion design courses offered at various universities world-wide.

"The vision behind LAU's fashion design program was to offer the region's students an education of the highest possible international standards without having to travel too far from home. I am pleased with the agreement, which is a major step toward creating a regional hub for talented designers."

In the field of fashion design, this is the first major strategic partnership between a well-known international fashion house, a leading American academic institution in the Middle East and a globally recognized fashion college.

 "Their expertise will provide our students with an even stronger academic degree in fashion design in line with international practices," Dr. Jabbra from LAU said, Fashion United reports.

Saab was just 18-years-old when he launched his label. He rose to prominence when actress Halle Berry collected her best actress award at the 2002 Oscars in one of his creations. One of his remarkable achievements came when he designed for Queen Rania of Jordan for her enthronement in 1999.

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