Growing up with three brothers, Michele Karam was the family's unofficial stylist. She was always the one suggesting linen shirts, polos, and a clean, Italian-inspired look for them. Sometimes they did not want to wear what she picked, and they would joke: keep this style for your own kids one day.
That little family joke stayed with her, and it became part of the inspiration behind Cigno. Cigno is a Beirut kidswear brand that dresses children aged 2 to 8 in the grown-up, Italian-inspired style Karam has always loved. Every piece is made in Lebanon.
From three brothers to a kidswear label
Over time, the joke turned into a real question for Karam: why was no brand offering this look to children? She decided to build that world herself.
The result is clothing that borrows from classic menswear, like linen shirts and polos, and scales it down for little boys. The aim is a polished, timeless look that still leaves kids the comfort and freedom they need to move and play.
A designer's eye on every detail
Before Cigno, Karam worked as a graphic designer and creative entrepreneur, helping businesses with branding, visual identity, and content creation. That background now shapes the label from end to end.
At this stage, Cigno is a one-woman journey. Beyond founding the brand, Karam personally manages everything behind it, from the website and social media to the branding, packaging, content, and every small detail that brings Cigno to life.
For her, design is more than how a garment looks. The product, the branding, the packaging, and the smallest finishing touches are all built around one story, one emotion, and a clear identity. The target customer is the parent who wants something beyond typical children's clothing.
An order before the official launch
Cigno received its first order before it officially launched. Since going live, the brand has been growing its community, expanding its collections, and introducing custom pieces. It has also started collaborating with content creators to reach more parents.
Next up is a Winter Collection, now in preparation. Karam's goal is to grow Cigno from a small, founder-led idea into a recognized name in Lebanese kidswear.
One line that sums up the brand
Asked to capture Cigno in a sentence, Karam goes back to Lebanese Arabic and the tone of that old family debate: "I would dress you in the most beautiful clothes." Her brothers once told her to save this style for her own kids one day. Through Cigno, a new generation of kids is already wearing it.
See Cigno's collections and custom pieces at cignolb.com.
Cigno
