Karen Wazen Bakhazi, better known as Karen Wazen, is a Lebanese-British fashion influencer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian based in Dubai. With over 7 million Instagram followers and a brand portfolio that spans eyewear, jewelry, and global fashion collaborations, Wazen has become a household name in the Middle East and beyond. Her journey reflects not only a love for style but also resilience, innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility toward society.
Early Life and Background
Born on April 10, 1987, Karen grew up between Lebanon and the UK, which gave her a unique cultural blend that continues to influence her work. She later moved to Dubai, which has since become both her home and her business hub.
Karen comes from an entrepreneurial family. Her twin sister, Andrea, is a footwear designer, while her other sister, Jessica, is a professional chef. This creative environment nurtured Karen’s passion for expression and her desire to carve her own path.
In 2012, Karen married Elias Bakhazi, and together they have three children. Despite her glamorous career, Karen has always emphasized the importance of family, often sharing authentic glimpses of motherhood and family life with her followers.
Entering the World of Fashion
Karen’s journey into the fashion industry began in 2016 with a blog called “Karen’s Choice.” What started as a passion project—where she documented her style, fashion preferences, and lifestyle—quickly gained traction.
Her genuine voice and approachable sense of style made her stand out in a crowded influencer space. Within a few years, she transitioned from being a blogger to one of the most recognized fashion influencers in the Middle East.
Rise as a Fashion Influencer
Karen’s influence skyrocketed as she began collaborating with prestigious global brands. Her Instagram presence, filled with fashion-forward looks and candid family moments, struck a balance between luxury and relatability.
She appeared on the covers of top regional magazines such as:
- Harper’s Bazaar Arabia
- Elle Arabia
- Grazia Morocco
Luxury fashion houses including Cartier, Dior, and Roberto Cavalli have tapped her for campaigns, cementing her reputation as a leading style ambassador from the Middle East.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Launch of Karen Wazen Eyewear
In 2018, Karen took a bold step and launched her own brand, Karen Wazen Eyewear. The line was designed to reflect her personal style—bold yet versatile—and it immediately resonated with fashion lovers.
Within months, the brand was stocked by prestigious retailers such as Farfetch, Harvey Nichols, Galeries Lafayette Doha, Bloomingdale’s, Level Shoes, and Ounass.
The eyewear label has since expanded its reach across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, becoming one of the most successful influencer-founded fashion brands in the region.
Jewelry Line Expansion
In 2020, Karen expanded her brand by launching a jewelry collection titled “Bonds of Gold.” The line featured bangles, earrings, and logo-inspired pieces that quickly gained popularity.
With boutiques now open in Lebanon, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, Karen Wazen Eyewear and Accessories have evolved into a full-fledged luxury lifestyle brand.
Recognition and Accolades
Karen’s achievements have been widely recognized both regionally and globally.
- Forbes Middle East included her in its prestigious Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands list.
- Cosmopolitan Middle East named her Entrepreneur of the Year at their Influencer Awards in 2019.
- Entrepreneur Middle East honored her as one of the Achieving Women in Digital Influence.
- In 2024, she was listed on Business of Fashion’s BoF 500, a list of the most influential figures shaping the global fashion industry.
These accolades highlight Karen’s dual role as both a fashion influencer and a serious entrepreneur.
Advocacy and Humanitarian Work
Role with UNHCR
In 2020, Karen became a High-Profile Supporter for UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency. She has since dedicated significant time to raising awareness about refugee issues, including supporting displaced families during Ramadan and winter campaigns.
She visited Lebanon to meet victims of the Beirut blast, amplifying their stories and mobilizing support for relief efforts.
Promoting Realness in Digital Spaces
Karen has often spoken about the importance of authenticity in the influencer world. While she is celebrated for her style, she doesn’t shy away from showing unfiltered parts of her life—motherhood challenges, personal insecurities, and the realities behind curated Instagram feeds.
This transparency has made her a role model for women balancing careers, family, and personal growth.
Diversifying Into Digital Experiences
In 2021, Karen launched a mobile game app titled “Karen Wazen: My World.” The game allowed users to live out milestones from her own journey—launching a brand, building a family, and navigating fashion events.
The app highlighted her innovative approach: blending fashion, lifestyle, and technology to create a new kind of interactive storytelling.
Personal Life and Values
Despite her global recognition, Karen prioritizes her role as a mother and wife. Her social media often features her husband Elias and their children, balancing luxury campaigns with authentic family content.
She also openly discusses struggles, such as managing work-life balance and overcoming self-doubt, which makes her highly relatable to her audience.
Why Karen Wazen Matters
Karen Wazen represents a new era of influencers—those who go beyond endorsements to build sustainable businesses, foster community, and champion social causes.
She embodies:
- Authenticity: By showing both her polished and vulnerable sides.
- Entrepreneurship: Through her successful eyewear and jewelry lines.
- Global Influence: By bridging Middle Eastern fashion with international luxury.
- Humanitarianism: By dedicating her platform to meaningful causes.
Her journey demonstrates how digital platforms can be leveraged not just for fame but for lasting impact.
Conclusion
From starting a simple fashion blog to being recognized as one of the BoF 500 most influential figures in fashion, Karen Wazen has redefined what it means to be an influencer in the modern world. She is a businesswoman, humanitarian, style icon, and devoted mother, seamlessly navigating multiple roles while inspiring millions.
Karen’s story is more than just about fashion—it is about vision, resilience, and purpose. As she continues to expand her brand, amplify humanitarian causes, and influence global fashion conversations, Karen Wazen stands as one of the most impactful voices from the Middle East on the world stage.