Byblos is an Italian label that was established by two designers – Keith Varty and Alan Cleaver – in the early 1980s. Byblos takes its name from the legendary hotel in St. Tropez on the French Riviera.
Both Varty and Cleaver attended the Royal College of Art in London, where they both studied design. Their collaboration with the Genny Group began in 1980 when Arnaldo Girombelli, founder of Genny Moda, called on the design duo to create the men’s and women’s Byblos collection for Fall/Winter 1981-82.
Designers who have worked at Byblos include Gianni Versace, Richard Tyler, John Bartlett and Martine Sitbon, among others. Byblos clothing is known for its fresh, young approach, and frequent use of embroidery and special detailing that makes each of the garments unique.
The designers’ sense of humor is always apparent along with their love of ethnic and romantic style, which are often used in their designs.
A romantic sensuality underlies all of Byblos designs. Over the years, the Byblos label has come to include womenswear, menswear, a children’s line, sunglasses, eyeglasses and a line of fragrances.
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