Oliver DeGem, or how to see life in all black with a huge smile. (Credit: R.A./OLJ)
To the world, Oliver de Gemmayzeh appears only in all-black attire — a kind of grieving silhouette, yet always cheerful, roaming the streets of Beirut. Everything about him is instantly recognizable: the style, the infectious laughter, the iconic expressions. His “Ya cherie, it's not possible!” even appears on merchandise — printed on tote bags and notebooks. In fact, the idea of naming this column Allo Cherie came from him.The influencer, jeweler and 47-year-old designer — born in the midst of the Lebanese Civil War — seems to have remained a big child. A joyful character in the way only a wounded Lebanon knows how to create: carefree, uninterested in discussing politics, war, or religion — unless it’s to denounce them through sharp, witty humor. The “night owl,” as he calls himself, doesn’t just entertain his roughly 30,000...
To the world, Oliver de Gemmayzeh appears only in all-black attire — a kind of grieving silhouette, yet always cheerful, roaming the streets of Beirut. Everything about him is instantly recognizable: the style, the infectious laughter, the iconic expressions. His “Ya cherie, it's not possible!” even appears on merchandise — printed on tote bags and notebooks. In fact, the idea of naming this column Allo Cherie came from him.The influencer, jeweler and 47-year-old designer — born in the midst of the Lebanese Civil War — seems to have remained a big child. A joyful character in the way only a wounded Lebanon knows how to create: carefree, uninterested in discussing politics, war, or religion — unless it’s to denounce them through sharp, witty humor. The “night owl,” as he calls himself, doesn’t just entertain his...