Seduction of Soul

Zuhair Murad Paris Couture Week AW19

The entrance of the Zuhair Murad show was chock-full of paparazzi and beautiful people. I quickly made my way inside without any fanfare. I sat behind a row of New York cool girls who kept getting their picture taken and I was extremely tempted to photo-bomb a number of their photos but refrained thinking maybe the humor would be lost on these European photographers. I have never felt so un-glamorous and glamorous at the same time. It was amazing.

Zuhair Murad’s AW19/20 collection was dazzling, exciting, seductive and soulful. The palatial venue reflected the opulence of the collection. Rich colors stormed the runway one by one. Murad changed my mind about colors that I would never imagine being a fan of for evening wear (such as bright orange and purple). This designer knows a woman’s desires before she even realizes them. I felt like I held my breath through most of the show. I was just in awe. As soon as I was finished gawking at the genius mix of patterns and texture I was completely blindsided by the luxuriant washes of gold.

The veteran Lebanese designer showed his first couture collection in Paris in 2001. A favorite at the Cannes Film Festival and other red carpet events alike, countless celebrities such as Rita Ora, Jessica Chastain, Priyanka Chopra, Halle Berry, Winnie Harlow and Helen Mirren have all donned his gowns. Murad is carried in over 100 stockists internationally and his look can be described as exuberantly lavish. There is always room for 1000 more beads and sequins. The end of the show felt akin to the best night out you’ll ever have. You’re not sure what just happened, but it was most excellent and you can’t wait to do it again.