Mme Malouf

Nabiha Cahill’s family immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in 1900. In 1909, she married Lebanese-Canadian importer and manufacturer Espere Kattini Malouf  (1870-1919).

As Mme Malouf, she was known as a maker of fine handmade lingerie. In 1933, she published advertisements for “fine handmade lingerie with real Alençon lace, and imported gowns” under the name Mme Malouf at 4629 Park Avenue in Montreal. Examples in the McCord Museum collection include lace-trimmed silk nightgowns and dressing gowns from the 1930s and early 1940s. They also include a 1941 wedding dress in a silk charmeuse fabric similar to the textiles used in her lingerie, and using similar construction techniques. In 1938, The Gazette published an article describing a wedding gown and veil by Madame Malouf that was worth more than $1,000. It states, “The veil alone, made of a material so fine it is claimed that 100 yards of it may be folded up and passed through a wedding ring, is valued at over $600.”

Nabiha Malouf and possibly her husband were also involved in real estate. She held the office of president of the Syrian-Lebanese Red Cross during World War I. At the time of her death, she was described as a “well-known business woman in the city.”

Drawers, Malouf, about 1942. Gift of Louise Hurtubise Bousquet, M2000.41.68 © McCord Museum