São Paulo – A fifteen-minute ride from Beirut, the Lebanese city of Mazaraat Yachouh was chosen by Brazil’s Marcelia Bou Chebel to open her first beachwear store in the Arab country. Arpoador was launched four months ago and has already become a hit among young Lebanese women.
“My public is young Lebanese women aged 16 to 26 who like something different and cool. They are not used to wearing colorful stuff like we do in Brazil. I also make children’s bikinis that match the mothers’ pieces, for children from 3 to 8 years old,” says the businesswoman and designer. Bikinis by Arpoador are priced between US$ 50 and US$ 100.
Bou Chebel completed a degree in Fashion in her native city, Fortaleza, and designs the bikinis and swimsuits that are sold at the store. They are made in Brazil and shipped to Lebanon. “It’s a very Brazilian store in its style and (ambient) music,” says Bou Chebel, who moved to Lebanon a year ago accompanying her husband, a Lebanese.
Besides beachwear, Arpoador sells Brazilian-style clothing items such as skirts, blouses and dresses, and accessories, such as bracelets and flip flops. Bou Chebel sources these products from Brazilian, Lebanese, and French suppliers.
The businesswoman says she is looking for new suppliers in Brazil to manufacture the pieces she designs, and that she also plans on importing Brazilian gym wear to sell during winter in Lebanon.
When it comes to the future of her business, Bou Chebel claims she’s still waiting to see how the store in Mazaraat Yachou will do, but is already considering expanding her brand. “I would like to open units in Beirut and Dubai,” she says.
Arpoador
Address: Cabbabe Center 2023, Mazaraat Yachouh, Lebanon
Website: www.livearpoador.com
Telephone: +961 71417461
Email: marceliaregina@hotmail.com
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
