zuhair murad

Photo: Getty
This season’s fashion month comes with added excitement given that all eyes are on London for the city’s first-ever Vogue World. As actors, models, and designers descended on the famed Theatre Royal Drury Lane to celebrate art and fashion, it is no surprise that Arab talent also made its mark on the red carpet. For the opening night, Canadian model Winnie Harlow brought the drama by wearing a stunning couture gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.
Picked from the celebrity-loved creative’s Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection, the black velvet gown came with a plunging neckline and a figure-hugging silhouette. Its highlight, however, was a voluminous white cape-like collar that flowed along the sides of the dress and down to the floor. If the head-turning number looks familiar, it is because Moroccan model Aouatif Saadi is seen dressed in the very same piece for one of Vogue Arabia’s September 2023 covers shot in Disneyland Paris. Being featured on the cover of a regional magazine in the same month as getting worn for a global event is one of the many proofs of how Middle Eastern talent transcends boundaries.
Aouatif Saadi (center) wearing the Zuhair Murad FW23 couture gown on the cover of Vogue Arabia’s September 2023 issue. Photo: Desiree Mattsson
For last night’s star-studded affair, Harlow opted to pair the romantic gown with black opera gloves topped with sparkling diamond jewelry, alongside debuting a fresh chop. “Winnie’s hair was inspired by the 90s black woman,” her longtime hairstylist Jordan Jay Brumant shared exclusively with Vogue. “It was important to us that her natural hair texture was at the forefront of the look. The strong tapered shape and waved edges gave us the perfect balance of strength, softness, and opulence.” A golden-bronze smokey eye with winged liner and glossy brown lips completed her makeup look for the evening.
Photo: Darren Gerrish
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Photo: Getty
Taylor Swift has once again championed an Arab designer on her highly successful Eras Tour. One of her concerts at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium saw the American popstar adorned in a custom-made midnight blue bodysuit by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.
On Instagram, the couturier posted a video of the evening with Swift looking stunning in the couture creation. “Taylor Swift wore for The Eras Tour in Los Angeles a custom #ZMCouture midnight blue bodysuit adorned with shimmering crystal embellishments, cascading intricate beaded fringes, and accompanied by a coordinating garter,” read the caption.

This is not the first time that a design from Zuhair Murad has been spotted in Swift’s tour wardrobe. Earlier in March, for the second night of her sold-out concert in Glendale, Arizona the 33-year-old opted for a romantic ball gown from the designer featuring sequins in a starburst pattern. Mere days later in Las Vegas, Swift was seen in another bejeweled number from Zuhair Murad, a  shimmering with embellishment and fringe detailing.
Throughout the Eras tour, Swift has supported Arab designers on several occasions. From Elie Saab to Azzi & Osta and Yousef Al-Jasmi, regional talent found itself being celebrated across her concerts in North America. More recently, the Grammy award-winning artist wore a lilac tulle gown from Reem Acra reminiscent of the original cover of Speak Now for the Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) cover shoot.
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Zuhair Murad‘s Fall 2023 show during Paris Couture Week offered the world a different side to the Lebanese designer’s creativity. Below, get to know five things about the latest collection.
Photo: Gorunway.com
Black reigned supreme
Foregoing his usual bright colors and joyful hues, Murad championed the timeless black in various looks, alongside deeper blues and reds. The most notable exception was the white wedding gown, which was equal parts romantic and dark. “Defying his natural inclination to craft collections filled with vibrant and saturated colors, Zuhair Murad ventured into uncharted territory by embracing the elegance of black,” read a statement from the brand.
Photo: Gorunway.com
The collection was Gothic-inspired
The designs heavily took cues from Gothic fashion, with pieces shrouded in a mystical mood. “I went back to the era of mysterious work—abandoned mansions and dark nights,” the designer told Vogue.
Photo: Gorunway.com
Mysterious creatures juxtaposed the rose motif
A silver, bodysuit covered in a spiderweb pattern stood out alongside bat-like necklines and sweeping capes befitting vampires, but so did multiple roses sewn onto necks and bodices. “The rose was a very important element in the collection. It’s a symbol of romance and tragedy at the same time,” said Murad.
Photo: Gorunway.com
Latex and jersey dominated the line
In another departure from the regularly-favored breezy materials, the couture collection featured latex gloves and bodices, jersey dresses, and even a leather coat covered in silver spider studs.
Photo: Gorunway.com
Zuhair Murad’s signature glamour remained intact
Despite the many new inclusions in this collection, the pieces were unmistakably Zuhair Murad as his creative DNA, signature glamorous silhouettes, and dazzling embroidery were a mainstay.
Read Next: 5 Things to Know About Rami Al Ali’s Fall 2023 Couture Collection

There is no arguing against the sartorial excellence of Zuhair Murad which is why it comes as no surprise that mere days into her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift has opted for another look by the Lebanese designer – a bejeweled number perfectly encapsulating the energy of Las Vegas.
Photo: Instagram.com/zuhairmuradofficial
On the opening night of another sold-out stop across America, the Grammy award-winning artist had the audience mesmerized with her performances. Of course, it helped that she looked stunning in her bespoke midnight blue Zuhair Murad bodysuit. Delicately crafted by hand, the outfit is a testament to the savoir-faire of the Lebanese couturier with 20,000 sequins and crystals embedded individually. The embellishment seems to overflow with richly beaded fringes and a matching garter. Her look was completed by a pair of knee-high boots and the quintessential Taylor Swift red lip with winged eyeliner.
The label shared a video on Instagram showing glimpses of how the sparkling number was created, adding that it was “crafted in over 350 hours of atelier handwork.”

From custom Louboutins in every show to her first look from Zuhair Murad – a romantic embellished ball gown – and every other ensemble that has appeared on stage, it is apparent that fashion plays an important role in this tour. For the 33-year-old singer who tends to be meticulously detail-oriented about everything from her shows to her music videos, this has been a chance to use as a conduit for expression, a means to highlight different eras of her music and the unparalleled growth she has been through.
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Photo: Instagram.com
The past few years have seen Jessica Chastain make several Best Dressed lists with her stunning red carpet looks, all of which have been fit for a movie star. And for her latest appearance at the 13th Annual Governors Awards, the Oscar-winning actor championed Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad with yet another noteworthy outfit.

Picked from the couturier’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection, Chastain’s dress came in a bold shade of red ideal for the festive season, and featured a strapless, plunging neckline. The designer’s signature shimmering embroidery covered the entire gown in a geometrical pattern, which may have been one of the reasons why the creation caught the actor’s eye long before she decided to walk the red carpet in it. Sharing a clip of her getting ready and posing for the cameras at the awards, Chastain shared her love and gratitude for Murad with the caption: “I’ve had my eye on this @zuhairmuradofficial for quite some time. Thank you for letting me wear this beautiful piece.”

This Zuhair Murad piece would be the second most-talked-about look sported by Chastain recently, with the first being loaded with a powerful statement. Last week, the actor stepped out in a T-shirt reading the name Mahsa Amini, in support of the protests against the death of the 22-year-old in Iranian custody. “It’s been over two months since the death of #MahsaAmini,” captioned a photo of her outfit. “Over two months of nationwide protests in Iran. Over two months of the regime’s violent crackdown, killing women, men and children who are fighting for freedom. Stand with Iran. Use your voice.”
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Zuhair Murad
“For me, Lebanon is the land of eternal hope. To it, I’ll forever be devoted.” Zuhair Murad had said in a love letter to his home country, shared with Vogue Arabia two months before the blast in Beirut in 2020. On the tragedy’s second anniversary, the Lebanese couturier whose atelier was decimated in the explosion has captured this emotion in his latest design. The poignant creation is a dress made entirely of the blue mesh that wrapped most of the destroyed buildings in Beirut, and part of the project #RedressLebanon in collaboration with the affected local news organization AnNahar, and Impact BBDO.
Photo: Courtesy of Zuhair Murad
By transforming the fabric associated with devastation—and which still covers the AnNahar Building to this day—into art, Murad aims to “dress the city in a befitting gown” while supporting the victims of the blast and their families. The initiative #RedressLebanon will be selling 10,452 NFTs of the dress to raise funds for the affected, with all proceeds going to the Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), the first NGO dedicated to mental health in Lebanon. The chosen number of NFTs signifies the total surface area of the country in square kilometers. 

According to a statement, Murad has tried to “express joy and hope through the creation of this unique couture dress, with an aim to make it become a symbol of resilience, beauty, and willpower of the Lebanese who are still witnessing atrocity and living under severe economic and social circumstances.” While the dress takes on the designer’s signature glamorous silhouettes, it is cinched at the waist with the newspaper headlines printed on a satin belt which is held together by a sequined red heart. “Until today, I cannot describe the feeling that I had while wandering in the destroyed streets of Beirut, walking from Mar Mikhael to Gemmayzeh,” said Murad. “I saw what was like a ‘horror movie’—the bodies, the wounded, the screaming and wailing, the darkness, and the rubble. I did not recognize Beirut’s roads, or its buildings, this scene will remain in my memory forever.”
Read Next: 13 of Zuhair Murad’s Most Memorable Celebrity Looks

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If you’re currently planning your big day, there’s no way you haven’t already started thinking about all the special elements that will make your wedding day look one to remember. If you’re struggling with zeroing on the perfect bridal gown, however, a great place to look for some inspiration is on the runways of this season’s haute couture showcases.
The Fall 2022 shows had Alexis Mabille, Chanel and Dior making a case for pared-down bridal wear via pastel folk-style embroidery, universally flattering cuts (think mermaid silhouettes, high-low summer-ready hems, and sweet A-line pieces), and easy fabrics. While the strapless wedding-ready maxi at Chanel was topped off with a matching stole and ivory bow on the head, Dior’s models styled their romantic ensembles with barely-there makeup and soft low ponytails.
For the bride who’s up for a sartorial experiment, there was no missing Antonio Grimaldi’s sculpted silhouettes, which brought together unconventional necklines, cut-out detailing, and for accessories, jewels that ran from the top of the head down to the chin for that extra dose of drama. The not-so-basic bridal trend also found itself spotlighted on Rome’s Spanish Steps, where Pierpaolo Piccioli sent out a slinky white gown, complete with thigh-high slit, hidden metallic bustier, and black bows at the Valentino show. Over at Giambattista Valli, another conversation-starter piece was a feather-trimmed, semi-sheer bodycon number that enveloped the model’s shoulders in a larger-than-life snowy white bow.
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the fact that the one bridal trend that never seems to fade away is the more-is-more gown—and Fall 2022’s haute couture shows serve as proof. At Zuhair Murad’s presentation, a sparkling strapless gown doused in stars closed the show, while Rami Al Ali added a little color to the mix with a blush pink sequined number trimmed with pleated ruffles. Elie Saab’s bride walked the runway in a gold gown complete with matching veil and embellished bouquet, Balenciaga presented an equally dramatic bejeweled gown in shades of ivory and silver, and Dolce & Gabbana replaced traditional veils with a headpiece that’s not for the faint-hearted.
Below, scroll through the most interesting wedding gowns from the Fall 2022 haute couture shows.
Elie Saab. Photo: Gorunway.com
Alexis Mabille. Photo: Gorunway.com
Antonio Grimaldi. Photo: Gorunway.com
Balenciaga. Photo: Gorunway.com
Chanel. Photo: Gorunway.com
Dior. Photo: Gorunway.com
Dolce & Gabbana. Photo: Gorunway.com
Elie Saab. Photo: Gorunway.com
Zuhair Murad. Photo: Gorunway.com
Giambattista Valli. Photo: Gorunway.com
Balenciaga. Photo: Gorunway.com
Rami Al Ali. Photo: Gorunway.com
Valentino. Photo: Gorunway.com
Alexis Mabille. Photo: Gorunway.com
Zuhair Murad. Photo: Gorunway.com

Photo: Instagram.com/sarasampaio
Each day, Cannes Film Festival gives fashion enthusiasts a new red carpet look to decode, and one of the most exciting ensembles seen in the past 24 hours has got to be that of Sara Sampaio’s. In case you missed it, the Portuguese model is currently in France, spending her time by the French Riviera enjoying the very best of the annual festival. Last night, Sampaio walked the red carpet in a striking Zuhair Murad gown that stood out for all the right reasons. Check out her ruby red look below.

Sara Sampaio’s red Zuhair Murad gown featured a thigh-high slit
Crafted in a rich shade of cherry red, Sara Sampaio’s Zuhair Murad gown was one for the books. For her evening at Cannes Film Festival, the Lebanese designer dressed the model in a strapless number that came with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt, complete with a risqué thigh-high slit. Adding more drama to Sampaio’s outfit was its cascading cape, which billowed out behind her as she walked.
Photo: Instagram.com/sarasampaio
Keeping with the palette of her stunning ensemble, the model opted for red velvet heels by Jimmy Choo, and completed her Pretty Woman-esque look with a sparkling diamond neckpiece and elegant earrings by Messika.
Photo: Instagram.com/sarasampaio
To add a romantic touch to her all-red outfit, Sara Sampaio had her deep brown locks pulled back from her face with braids, and opted for a fresh, natural makeup look. If you’ve got a big celebration on the cards and love to make a statement, a bold red number like hers is just the ticket.

Raya Abirached. Photo: Instagram.com/rayaofficial
The 2022 Academy Awards took place on Sunday with a greater sense of normalcy compared to the past few years’ ceremonies, calling for noteworthy red carpet style. And who better than designers from the Arab world to deliver just that on Hollywood’s biggest night?
Representing the region was Raya Abirached, who trusted the sartorial power of a sophisticated black gown for her attendance. The presenter’s dress for the evening was picked from fellow Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad‘s Pre-Fall 2022 collection, and featured a strapless corseted bodice that flowed into a pleated skirt made with gleaming silk mikado. Put together by celebrity stylist Cedric Haddad, Abirached’s outfit also came with dazzling jewelry from Bulgari, which she showed off by wearing her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail.
Mila Kunis in Zuhair Murad. Photo: Getty
Regional talent was also favored by international stars Venus Williams, Chrissy Teigen, and Mila Kunis. While professional tennis player Williams chose a custom white Elie Saab gown, Kunis went the couture route in a gown from Zuhair Murad’s Spring/Summer 2022 couture collection. The rose-colored silk dress featured a ruched one-shoulder bodice, built-in belt, and a long train attached to a fitted skirt.
Chrissy Teigen in Georges Hobeika. Photo: Instagram.com
Making an appearance at the Vanity Fair after-party with husband and singer John Legend, Teigen looked to one of her favorite Arab designers. The model wore a grey-colored number by Georges Hobeika. The one-shoulder dress was adorned with sparkling embellishment and came with an asymmetrical skirt that featured a short hem on one leg and a floor-grazing one on the other.
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Before Lily Collins was inspiring the wardrobes of twentysomethings with her American-meets-French style in Emily in Paris, there was something to be said of her own sartorial sense.
The British actor first emerged on the film and TV scene in 2009, and embraced ultra-feminine and girl-next-door style early on, which she has honed to make her signature since. Her early red carpet appearances witnessed her love for vintage fashion peek through in pieces that gave her looks an old-timey charm. Think dresses paired with tights, round-toed pumps, and lots of florals. As she took on a range of roles, her wardrobe was influenced accordingly. She took on an edgier approach to her style with leather ensembles while promoting the film The Mortal Instruments, and gravitated towards princess-like dresses and corseted dresses after starring in Mirror, Mirror. Collins has also made sure to venture away from her usual style at times by going incorporating masculine pieces in her look. For a Cartier event in 2012, the actor wore a black suit by Dolce & Gabbana with a chiffon blouse, and in 2015, wore a burgundy satin suit with a plunging black top.
Her penchant for dreamy gowns naturally led her to be a fan of Arab designers, particularly, Elie Saab. Who can forget the Lebanese couturier’s lilac ombré dress she wore in 2014 and made headlines in? His floor-grazing, embroidered pieces have been spotted on the star on a number of special occasions, and so have a couple of risqué numbers by Zuhair Murad. This has also made the actor’s public appearances ones to always keep an eye out for, especially at the Met Gala. While she had been walking the red carpet at the annual event for quite a few years, her attendance in 2018 is what cemented her as one of the best dressed at the gala.
Take a look at Lily Collins’ style evolution in pictures below.
2009. Photo: Getty
2010. Photo: Getty
2011. Photo: Getty
2012. Monique Lhuillier. Photo: Getty
2012. Dolce & Gabbana. Photo: Getty
2013. Cushnie Et Ochs. Photo: Getty
2014. Elie Saab. Photo: Getty
2015. Photo: Getty
2016. Elie Saab. Photo: Getty
2016. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2017. Zuhair Murad. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2017. Elie Saab. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2017. Alexander McQueen. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2017. Dolce & Gabbana. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2018. Givenchy. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2018. Ralph & Russo. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2018. Givenchy. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2018. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2018. Miu Miu. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2018. Zuhair Murad. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Elie Saab. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Givenchy. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Elie Saab. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Giambattista Valli. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Giambattista Valli. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Ronald van der Kemp. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Saint Laurent. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Elie Saab. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2019. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Saint Laurent. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Valentino. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Saint Laurent. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Zimmermann. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Celine. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Chanel. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Dior. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Emporio Armani. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Saint Laurent. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2020. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Oscar de la Renta. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Prada. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Saint Laurent. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Georges Hobeika. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Ralph Lauren. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Ralph Lauren. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Givenchy. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Prabal Gurung. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2021. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2022. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2022. Valentino. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
2022. Photo: Instagram.com/lillyjcollins
Read Next: Lily Collins Shares Her 5 Favorite Fashion Moments