Discover the Stories of History
2006
Unsatisfied with both her bachelor in marketing and the various jobs Kristina undertook, she channels her creativity into designing a line of belts that she calls Kinza Designs.
Her design studio emerges in the heart of Beirut, nestled in a the basement of her father's office, becoming the birthplace of Kinza Designs.
2008-2014
Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Johnny Farah, leading to her appointment as a production director and designer for his label of high-end leather goods, operating between Beirut and New York.
She works with the House for 6 years, immersing herself into the rich tapestry of leather, metal, wood and other workshops that the streets of Beirut offer. It is here that her passion and appreciation for craftsmanship are unveiled.
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About Johnny Farah. Self-taught designer who worked as the head accessories designer for a number of high-end labels including Cole Haan and Donna Karan, before he launched his own label in 2004.
2013
Kristina has a romance with a Spaniard and discovers the typical Spanish sandals from the Balearic Islands. She loves the slip-on concept with the rubber back strap but finds it lacks coquetry. She devotes many of her evenings to revisiting the traditional shoe : this is how styles Uno, Dos, Tres, Cuatro and Cinco are born. Kristina collaborates with a family-owned business in Spain to craft these styles and calls her brand Kinamania.
2014
Kristina launches the first collaboration line with a Spanish tailor of bullfighter - that pays homage to the rich heritage of traditional Spanish craftsmanship, celebrating the meticulous techniques and rich history associated with the craft of bullfighting attire.
This collaboration marks the debut of the Voyage collection dedicated to honoring both heritage and skilled artisans.
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2015
Kristina moves to Brussels to join her life partner and is today the happy mama of two girls :)
2016
Kristina introduces the first collaboration THE ORIENT with craft-based ngo Inaash, an association who's mission is to maximize employment opportunities for female Palestinian artisans living in refugee camps in Lebanon.
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The second collaboration THE ALEPPO follows in 2018 with ngo The Ana Collection, an organisation that launched a doll collection to aid Syrian war refugees since the beginning of the country’s conflict in 2011.
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Read blog post here.
2020
"Cancer changes your perspective on what’s important in life".
In 2020, Kristina is treated for an aggressive type of breast cancer. And since Kinamania supports cancer research through profit sharing with the limited-edition collaboration shoes with contemporary artists.
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The first limited edition collaboration with Arabic type designer Lara Captan that supports cancer research.
2021
The first iconic derby shoe - THE JOPLIN - is introduced to the Kinamania lines. The Atelier line comes to life.
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2021
The first limited edition collaboration with type designer Lara Captan. Proceeds from the sales support cancer research. The Collaboration line comes to life.
2021
February : design studio opens in Brussels where Kristina creates her shoes and bag prototypes and gives creative workshops.
The lines come to life through the skilled hands of artisans in Portugal and Lebanon.
2021
First nomad boutique opens in the EU neighborhood of Brussels - Square Jourdan - from May to July.
The objective of this nomad boutique is to trial the shoe lines, explore the local neighborhood, and gain deeper insights into the Kinamania community.
2021
Second nomad boutique opens in Brussels - Square Saint Pierre. October-December.
2022-2023
Third nomad boutique opens in Brussels in the prestigious Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert - in the heart of the old city . This one lasts 14months! May 2022 - July 2023.
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With the insights gained from her boutique experiences, Kristina chooses to leave the Royal Galleries to integrate into a more local Brussels neighbourhood, connecting with and being a part of the daily lives of Brussels residents. Next step : the opening of the permanent flagship !
2022
The Soft Line comes to life. This line was launched after the dramatic August 4, 2020 Beirut explosion. "Since the explosion, Lebanon, has been facing a mega-crisis and my aim is, in my own modest way, to give a financial stability to Lebanese artisans and their families. A series of six mini-reportages will take you on the project's journey, from idea to project launch."
Watch 961 - Episode 1 and if you'd like to watch the other reportages - follow the READ MORE link below :)
2022
Kristina is recognized by the Maison Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award as a soulful entrepreneur.
2023
Showroom in Beirut opens, and managed by Kristina's mother, and forever ambassador, Elise Zouein.
2024
After two nomadic years, Kinamania opens its flagship boutique a few steps away from the cosmopolitan Place Jourdan - in the heart of the European Quarter !
📍 Gray St. 19, 1040, Brussels
Kinamania in the press.
So Soir
Portrait by Sigrid Descamps
Marie Claire
La Gazette
des Galeries Royales Saint Hubert
GAEL Magazine
Wish List by Maria Honnay
So Soir
L'Air Du Temps
L'Orient Le Jour
Portrait by Fifi Abou Dib
L'Officiel
Portrait by M.H.
Elle Magazine
NOUN Magazine
