Sandra Mansour Weaving Dreams into Fashion
Sandra Mansour
Weaving Dreams into Fashion
By Tania Chehabeddine
Sandra Mansour, the French-Lebanese fashion designer born in the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland, is a woman of class and grace. Known for her extravagant red-carpet creations and exquisite bridal wear, Sandra has established herself as a storyteller through fashion. With a deep artistic sensibility, she crafts garments that are elegant, intricate, and timeless. Her designs have found a global audience, available in prestigious stores across the USA, UK, and France.
Recognized for her talent, she has been featured in Vogue multiple times, and in July 2020, she became the first Arab woman to collaborate with Swedish fashion giant H&M, launching her collection Fleur du Soleil. Her designs have since adorned iconic celebrities such as Gigi Hadid, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
From Simple Beginnings to a World of Color
Sandra’s journey into the world of fashion was not a single defining moment but rather a series of small, meaningful experiences. Growing up in Switzerland, she was surrounded by strong women who left a lasting impact on her.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, inspiring women, and I saw fashion as a way to celebrate femininity,” Sandra shares. “There wasn’t one defining moment, but rather a series of small moments,sketching endlessly, being fascinated by the craftsmanship behind garments, and realizing that this was my way of creating something meaningful.”
Although she initially pursued a business degree, her love for painting led her to study Fine Arts, a decision that would later shape her approach to fashion design. Recognizing that fashion was an extension of her artistic expression, Sandra pursued a Master’s in Fashion Design at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Paris. To gain hands-on experience, she also interned with renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab, refining her skills and immersing herself in the world of haute couture.
“My journey into fashion started with a deep love for art and storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to the way fabrics, textures, and silhouettes can express emotions and narratives,” she explains.
Sandra’s mission has always been to tell stories through her creations, ensuring that every piece is more than just a garment,it’s an experience. Over the years, she has balanced the interplay of creativity and business, a journey that has allowed her to evolve and leave a lasting impression in the fashion world.
“The essence of my vision has remained the same,to create pieces that tell a story and make women feel beautiful. However, with time, I’ve become more pragmatic about the industry, understanding the balance between creativity and business. The goal has evolved to not only design but to build something lasting and meaningful.”
A Love Letter to Beirut
In 2010, Sandra took a leap of faith and launched her own label, Sandra Mansour, specializing in bridal and evening wear. Although born in Switzerland, she chose Beirut as the home for her first atelier, a decision that reflects her deep connection to Lebanon.
“My heritage is deeply woven into my work,there’s the precision of Swiss craftsmanship, the romanticism of French aesthetics, and the richness of Lebanese storytelling and artisanal traditions. Beyond that, I’m inspired by nature, poetry, and historical references. There’s always an element of nostalgia in my designs, a bridge between past and present.”
Lebanon’s resilience and beauty have become a significant source of inspiration for Sandra, influencing not only her designs but also her brand’s identity. The combination of Swiss precision, French romanticism, and Lebanese artistry has made her creations distinct in the world of fashion.
A Woman for Women
Empowering women through fashion has always been at the heart of Sandra Mansour’s philosophy. She believes in designing garments that make women feel confident, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful.
“I want women to feel confident, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. My designs are about embracing individuality, feeling empowered yet soft, strong yet delicate. It’s about wearing a piece that feels like an extension of yourself rather than a costume.”
A fierce advocate for female empowerment, Sandra is dedicated to ensuring that her designs celebrate the essence of womanhood. Whether it’s a dreamy bridal gown or a bold red-carpet look, she crafts pieces that inspire confidence and self-expression.
“I love the transition from an idea to a tangible piece,the moment a sketch turns into a garment. There’s something magical about seeing a dress come to life on a woman. My inspiration always leads the way, but I design for women who are both strong and delicate, who appreciate artistry and craftsmanship.”
Threads of Insight
A day in Sandra Mansour’s life begins with a moment of peace before transitioning into a whirlwind of creativity and productivity.
“Every day is different, but it always starts with a moment of stillness,coffee, looking through my sketches, setting the tone for the day. Then, it’s a mix of fittings, fabric selections, meetings with my team, and a lot of problem-solving. The creative part is the most rewarding, but running a fashion house also means navigating logistics, production, and ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.”
The fashion industry is not without its challenges, and Sandra has learned to navigate them with resilience and adaptability.
“Fashion is a demanding industry, and building a brand requires resilience. From production challenges to financial hurdles, each difficulty has been a learning experience. I’ve learned to adapt, to trust my instincts, and most importantly, to surround myself with the right people. Staying true to my vision, while being open to evolution, has been key.”
Reflecting on her journey, Sandra advises aspiring designers to trust the process and embrace each step of their evolution.
“I’d tell my younger self to trust the process and not rush. Everything unfolds at its own pace. To aspiring designers, I’d say: be patient, be persistent, and never compromise on your vision. Fashion is not just about creating clothes; it’s about building a voice and a story. Stay true to what makes your work unique, and always keep learning.”
A Story for the Future
Sandra Mansour’s latest Autumn-Winter 2025-2026 collection, Quiet Fields, draws inspiration from the poetic works of Agnes Martin, offering serene yet powerful designs. While each collection holds a special place in her heart, Sandra’s passion for bridal fashion remains unparalleled.
“Each collection holds a special place, but some are more personal than others. I always have an emotional connection to my bridal pieces,they represent dreams, commitment, and the idea of eternity.”
Looking ahead, she aims to further blur the lines between fashion and art, refining her approach to bridal fashion and pushing creative boundaries.
“I’m always exploring new ideas, and I’d love to push the boundaries between art and fashion even further. If I were to expand my focus in the future, it would be towards my bridal collections, refining and evolving them further.”
Sandra Mansour’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and artistry. With each new collection, she continues to captivate audiences and redefine fashion as a medium for storytelling. As she steps into the future, one thing remains clear,her story is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
