A tribute to beauty, romance and opulence – Zuhair Murad took inspiration from Venice’s flamboyant carnival, its glorious history and its Renaissance paintings, creating a magnificent couture collection that features subtle oriental influences, opulent embroidered capes and sophisticated night gowns embellished with crystals.
The Lebanese couturier celebrates the glorious splendor of the Serenissima, a city that always indulged in its passion for luxury, arts and beauty, even while fighting invasions and battling diseases.
And in between calli (streets) and canals, churches and grandiose palaces that stand indifferent to the rising waters, unfolds the vision of a contemporary Venetian festival where the strings of Paganini’s violin vibrate as gondolas pass by: O mamma, mamma cara …
At night, in the dark passages, tales of dangerous encounters and passionate embraces unfold. The palazzi flanking the Venetian Grand Canal, whose walls echo Casanova’s affairs and the romance of distant love and power play, are haunted.
Under the crumpling of silk and the opulent capes sometimes stolen from a painting by Carpaccio, identity ceases to matter; we are who we want to be.
Light does not have the same reflections here as it has elsewhere, filtered by stained glass windows and Murano chandeliers, melted by glassmakers who hold all the secrets of alchemists.
Crystals and iridescent glass with unreal hues, fourreau night gowns draped with large transparent capes woven with the material that dreams are made of …
Sophisticated combinations of crystal garlands, long dresses of patrician hostesses, oriental princess kaftans thrown on revisited Renaissance outfits, crazed with chiffon: A festival of bare shoulders and curves revealed through daring slits and wise asymmetries.
Silver lurex brings a modern note to a magnetic theme.
Capes and long gloves in embroidered tulle are inspired by the timeless codes of the Venetian Carnival.
Velvet, chiffon, taffeta, faille and metallic organza reinterpret timeless classics.
Zuhair Murad, a master of embellished catsuits, took inspiration from Venice’s history and magnificence which are intertwined with Middle Eastern aesthetics.
Red-carpet-ready evening dresses are strewn with intricate embroideries and shimmer with crystal fringing.
The molten glass becomes embroidery. Patchwork, a staple of the Venetian spirit, is rendered in fascinating haute couture.
Scoop necks, asymmetrical necklines, puffed and cap sleeves wrap the collection in an aura of luxury that evokes the festive resistance of a city whose talents, refinement and know-how will endlessly remain, the ultimate bulwark against adversity.
Venice – Zuhair Murad Couture Show 2021/22 is one of six live shows that took place in Paris this summer. It was presented to a small audience. Most couture houses only presented a video.
Zuhair Murad, Jennifer Lopez’ favourite fashion designer, presented a statement collection filled with red carpet-ready couture creations.
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VIDEO: ZUHAIR MURAD COUTURE SHOW FALL/WINTER 2021/22
Take a seat in the first row and enjoy Zuhair Murad’s couture show which took place in Paris on 7 July 2021 at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand near the Sorbonne and the Pantheon.
Topmodels like Sofia Resing, Madison Headrick and Nortje Haak hit the catwalk wearing Zuhair Murad couture. Jasmine Tookes, Leila Ben Khalifa and Célia Jaunat were among the VIP guests.
Photos and video: Courtesy of Zuhair Murad
