The Story Behind Habibi Edition
In Arabic, the word “Habibi” directly translates to “my love,” and if you spend time with anyone of Arab descent, you will learn that we are a culture quick to share love. It’s common to hear us proudly calling out “Habibi” to our family and friends, but we also often share that warm calling with strangers throughout our daily interactions. The calling exemplifies the famous Arab hospitality immediately making any recipient feel like part of the family, regardless of their own background.
Arabs are no stranger to adapting, and just like our people, the meaning of “Habibi” has grown from an all-encompassing term of endearment to an identity in itself. Instead of just being called habibi, you are a Habibi and you embrace the Habibi Life.
In the 100+ years since the first Arabs moved to the banks of the Great Lakes, this cultural group has not just thrived, but soared. We have become celebrated industry titans, fiercely dedicated community leaders, and steadfast shepherds of a determined new generation.
It is for these people that I wanted to create a high-end brand uniquely our own. Habibi Edition is an homage to the traditions that raised me to see hard work, family, and community as the cornerstones of a well-balanced life. This brand sits at the crossroads of unrelenting ambition building us higher, and strong roots keeping us grounded to earth.
By a Lebanese Metro-Detroiter. For Habibis around the world.
With love,
Dan Elhosni (The Big Habibi)
About our founder
Dan is a first-generation Lebanese American. His parents immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s and eventually settled in Metro Detroit in hopes of giving their family the best possible life.
Like so many young habibis, Dan grew up thinking his only career options were “doctor or engineer.” Although there was that summer when he was five where he made a push for professional tuble drummer — that dream was short lived. After checking the engineering box, he embraced his true love of business and entrepreneurship.
Dan’s passion for watches started at a young age (thank you for the baby G-shock, Khalo) and since then, that infatuation has only grown stronger.
Watches tell a story in their design, craftsmanship, and meticulous construction. They also, very importantly, tell a story of the person wearing the watch.
Dan wanted to combine his love for watches with his love for his culture to tell his own story, and that sparked the idea for Habibi Edition.