10 YEARS — CARWAN ANNIVERSARY I will never forget our very first show in Beirut. It was exactly 10 years ago, and our excitement was overshadowed by the difficulty to bring something different to a completely new market. We were the first contemporary design gallery to open its doors in the Near East and, during our first exhibition, people came and told us we were crazy to sell ‘furniture’ at such prices. If I think about it now it’s incredible to see how quickly things have changed and how Carwan has grown in its own way thanks to the the unique Lebanese surroundings. After our first show we were even more sure about the future possibilities for the gallery but we knew it would be challenging. We started digging our roots in Beirut’s vibrant scene: it took years of perseverance, endless books signing, talks by foreign designer, press interviews, lots of stress and - you know me - also lots of fun to start the gallery. Through unique encounters with amazing people we managed to build a network that understood what we were doing. Our actions went beyond the gallery walls and, after five years, Beirut became suddenly the design capital of the region: new design galleries and many designer studios opened, and collectible design became a smart investment for Beirutis. Fast forward to ten years later, and we are in the same kind of déjà-vu, this time in Athens: starting from zero all over again, with the freshness of a rebirth. Everything is possible, this is our motto for sure. Dreams and hard work to bring the outmost research from the global collectible design field to new markets. This is Carwan, this is our journey — an odyssey of discoveries we have always shared with new friends and we will continue on doing. Thanks to my partners Pascale Wakim and Quentin Moyse, and everyone that supported us during this incredible 10 years. The party will never end ;-) @carwangallery #beirut #athens