The Lebanese designer’s couture collection seeps in opulence.
Inspired by the Gibson Girls illustrations from the 1890s, Zuhair Murad sent down the runway a parade of gowns in light pastel shades. “She’s tall, beautiful, self-confident,” the designer said as he explains his apprehension of Charles Zana Gibson drawings- a famous American graphic artist from the 20th century.
The looks were embellished with bold details of plunging necklines and open backs, with lots of velvet and fluid sequins work with heavy botanical embroidery. “When you see the dresses of this collection, you feel that it’s maybe heavy or that there’s a lot of embroidery or ornament, but in reality it’s very light,” Murad said backstage before the show.
There was a floor-sweeping chiffon dress topped with a printed silk cape, a glitzing sheer floral design appeared in light pink also paired with a cape-like bodice; and one of the most astounding, a grey velvet jumpsuit matched with a floaty ostrich cape. Murad is known for using his signature nude effects, and this year models wore a sheer body-hugging dress embellished with metallic flowers and ostrich feathers.
