Rasha Khouri: The Investment Banker Who Became a Global Fashion Curator

From Wall Street to Wardrobe Wizardry

Lebanese-born Rasha Khouri has lived a life as dynamic as the fashion she champions—Paris, Beirut, New York, and now London, where she’s spent the last 12 years redefining luxury e-commerce. A former JP Morgan investment banker turned luxury goods analyst, Rasha merged her financial acumen with her passion for design, launching DIA-BOUTIQUE in 2010 and its expansive sibling, DIA-style.com, this year.

DIA-BOUTIQUE: A Global Treasure Hunt

  • Mission: "To unearth hidden gems from designers you won’t find anywhere else."

  • Standout Finds:

    • Handmade leather gladiator sandals from Beirut.

    • Linen kaftans with Swiss lace (because luxury shouldn’t scream).

    • Saudi ‘It’-bags with cultural twists.

  • Ethos: "Craftsmanship first, trends second."

Inspirations & Icons

  • Muse: Her grandmother—"fabulous wit, killer humor, effortless elegance."

  • Fashion Icons: Grace Coddington (storytelling genius), Tilda Swinton (androgynous royalty), Kate Moss (eternal cool).

  • One to Watch: Jewelry designer Nilufer Tarzi Kuran, blending Afghan and Ottoman heritage.

The DIA Selection Process

  • Criteria: "Unique perspective + impeccable quality. No filler, only future heirlooms."

  • Scouting: From Saudi ateliers to Swiss lacemakers, Rasha’s team hunts for the extraordinary.

Rasha’s Survival Kit

  • Tech: iPad ("My mobile HQ").

  • Fuel: Diet Coke ("Non-negotiable").

  • Soundtrack: "Music sets the rhythm of my day."

Digital Inspo

  • Nowness: For avant-garde visuals.

  • The Business of Fashion: "Essential intel."

Explore Her World: DIA-BOUTIQUE | DIA-style

"Fashion isn’t about labels—it’s about stories waiting to be worn."

Why Rasha Stands Out:

  • Banker’s Precision + Curator’s Eye: She spots investment-worthy design.

  • Global Gatekeeper: DIA is a passport-free style voyage.

  • No Algorithm Clones: Every piece has a point of view.

(P.S. Ask her about that Saudi bag designer)


Leila Antakly

Leila Antakly is the founder and editor of Antakly Projects, the independent cultural platform she launched in New York in 2003 as Ninu Nina. Syrian and Colombian, she began her career at Vogue Italia and has spent more than twenty years in conversation with artists, musicians, designers, photographers, and inspiring thinkers around the world.

https://www.ninunina.com/
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