By Iris Edén Santiago
Special to The STAR
Talk about high impact, high glamor, flawless beadwork … and one name comes to mind immediately: Zuhair Murad. His work is elaborate, stunning, jaw-droppingly beautiful and fascinating. Every single time.
It’s no coincidence that actress Jennifer López, one of his most loyal fans, wore a custom Zuhair Murad strapless creation for her stage wedding in the film “Marry Me.”
The Lebanese designer has been making waves since his debut in 1997. Dress after dress, evening gown after evening gown, his designs just keep blowing our minds. He just never disappoints.
And his latest collection for Paris Fashion Week presented at the Westin Paris Hotel, was yet another huge success for him. At a time when big brands are not full throttle because of the pandemic, he put together a magical show, nothing short of spectacular!
Murad loves big hats, big bling and the ethereal effect. Think “Pirates of the Caribbean” meets “Xena: Warrior Princess” on the set of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Boom.
The meticulous beading, the crystals, the body-hugging silhouettes and delicious details in gold and silver. It was all front and center in a collection full of masterpieces. For Murad, it is always “more is more.” Leotards were embellished and elevated to artistic one-of-a-kind garments, as were mini skirts, skorts, bras and capes. The parade of imaginative cocktail dresses with intricate embroidery, sheer lace and bare midriffs was spectacular. And his sophisticated evening gowns, his forte, an absolute dream. Pleated designs, flowy skirts, cross cross bodices and glittering beading. Sensational.
Born in Ras Baalbek, this talented couturier must be on speed dial for celebrities the likes of López, Sofía Vergara, Adele, Hailey Bieber, Jasmine Tookes, Chrissy Teigen and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The latter wore a seductive sheer black design by Murad for the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia earlier this month. It will be fantastic to see his creations off the runway and on the Red Carpet at the upcoming award season in Hollywood.