“Gianina Azar: The New Chapter in Fashion History”
CREATIVE DIRECTION ADVIN ILLA
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOEL GUZMÁN
HAIR AND MAKE UP BY JONATHAN KLEMBERT
ICONIC STYLE MAGAZINE NEW YORK
"“Stay humble and the universe would open the doors for you.”"
Giannina Azar exudes timeless elegance in a flowing floral ensemble paired with a bold statement necklace of gold, wood, and natural fibers. The look balances romance and strength, embodying her artistry and cultural storytelling in wearable form.
From her Dominican sanctuary, infused with Lebanese spirit, Giannina Azar reveals a new side of herself—intimate, spiritual, and undeniably iconic. When Iconic Style Magazine arrived in the Dominican Republic, we checked into the Kimpton Hotel at the Mercedes—a serene retreat about thirty minutes from Giannina Azar’s home. Nothing could have prepared us for the experience that awaited: what we found was not merely a house, but a temple, a paradise. Every corner of her residence seemed alive with meaning—decorated with flora and fauna, layered with textures that evoked the natural world, and grounded by spiritual, tribal touches that invited peace.
Giannina welcomed us with warmth and presence. She spoke about her heritage with unshakable pride—“I am proud to be Dominican, and equally proud of being half Lebanese,” she shared. In her, two cultures harmonize, creating a duality that feels at once rooted and cosmopolitan.
She then revealed her wardrobe—pieces that were deeply personal, imbued with spirituality yet carrying a clear thread of fashion. Her garments had the rhythm of handwork, each one crafted with patience and heart. Many bore flowing handmade patterns painted by her, transforming fabric into living canvases. Watching her move through her collection was like watching someone in prayer—an offering of herself to the world.
What fascinated us most was her jewelry. Unlike traditional luxury, Giannina crafts each piece from recyclable materials and random objects she finds intriguing. When finished, they transcend their origins, transformed into one-of-a-kind treasures of luxury. Each design carries both sustainability and sophistication, demonstrating her ability to turn the overlooked into the extraordinary.
The photoshoot that followed felt less like staging and more like revelation. Giannina was effortless before the lens, embodying her identity with every gesture—half Dominican, half Lebanese. Through the camera, her beauty was not just seen, it was felt. She wore flowing handmade garments that merged artisanal craft with couture precision—an aura of timelessness paired with the energy of now.
Beyond her home, Giannina’s artistry has illuminated some of the biggest stages in the world. She has designed for global icons including Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Thalía, Britney Spears, Shakira, Kesha, and Cardi B—to name a few. Each of these women, known for their commanding presence, has worn Giannina’s creations as armor, as celebration, and as art.
Her vision also became a defining part of the Miss Universe pageant. Dressing contestants from around the globe, Giannina brought her signature blend of Dominican exuberance and Lebanese elegance to one of the most-watched stages in the world. Her gowns shimmered under the spotlight, carrying not just glamour but cultural storytelling. For Giannina, it wasn’t about dressing a beauty queen—it was about empowering women to embody strength, grace, and confidence while celebrating their heritage.
As the sun dipped over her paradise, she left us with words that reflect her philosophy as a designer and as a woman:
“Stay humble and the doors will open for you.”
In that moment, Iconic Style Magazine understood: Giannina Azar is not simply a designer. She is a bridge between worlds, a vessel of culture and craft, and a spirit whose creations embody the richness of heritage, the innovation of sustainability, and the power of humility.
