The G.I.E. Perles de Tahiti - a non-profit financial interest group promoting Tahitian Pearls and their by-products around the world organized a grand Pearl Jewellery Contest recently at Beirut, Lebanon. It has also linked with renowned Lebanese fashion designer - Fouad Sarkis to create outfits motivated by and incorporating, Tahitian black pearls and mother of pearls.

This is G.I.E. Perles de Tahiti's first risk outside Europe where it had already combined with famous designers.

Sarkis presented his Winter 2002 Collection in the fulsome gardens of a 19th century Oriental palace where a dinner was hosted for Lebanese and Middle Eastern VIP's who were then treated to a trendy Fashion Show.

Lebanon was chosen because it is the fashion Capital of the Middle - East and the country which produced the most number of winners in a recent G.I.E. Perles de Tahiti International Tahiti Pearl Design Competition. Lebanon emerged with nine international awards in various categories, ahead of the United States, Brazil and France. The contest invited pearl jewellery in a head-ti-foot range in ten different categories.