Photo Credits: Image courtesy of Zuhair Murad/ Instagram
In normal times, Zuhair Murad is an avid traveler, constantly inspired by cultures, landscapes, and experiences that feed his expansive creative vision. But, as we all know, these are far from normal times. Yet, this did not deter the designer; instead, it led him to create a personal and exotic refuge: a paradise island born from his own vision of escapism and his love for untouched nature.
His most recent haute couture collection for the Spring/Summer season invited us on a sensory journey, a return to luxury and the beauty of femininity, where tropical landscapes materialize into elaborately crafted haute couture creations.
Photo Credits: Filippo Fior Via Vogue Runway
Murad described the concept as a dream — a retreat to a “virgin island where heaven meets earth,” far from the reach of technology and the frenzy of modern life. This proposal, both exotic and romantic, was a clear celebration of the feminine spirit, with forms that evoked the abundance of tropical nature, vibrant colors, and the elFegance of the classic woman. “It is a celebration of beauty and the nature of the woman,” Murad remarked, drawing inspiration from the 1950s and 1960s, decades in which glamour and sophistication reigned supreme.
The collection, titled The Island of Dreams, perfectly reflects this pure space of connection with nature. It unfolded as an ode to the exuberance of tropical elements: frangipanis, hibiscus, and birds of paradise transformed into fabrics richly adorned with beads, pearls, and sequins, recreating the mystery and delicacy of exotic flora. Each piece seemed to not only showcase natural forms but also merge with the essence of nature itself, revealing a fusion of wildlife and luxurious femininity.
Photos Credits: Filippo Fior Via Vogue Runway
Flowing silhouettes were punctuated by details like cascading droplets of shimmering silver beads, delicate palm fronds draped over shoulders, and gowns that exuded the beauty of untouched nature, with intricate embroidery reminiscent of wildflowers.
One of the collection’s standout moments was a gown Murad highlighted as a true homage to femininity: a transparent piece adorned with a delicate floral pattern and petals that seemed to bloom, melding with the model’s body. Other, more understated looks featured long, elegant evening dresses, such as a black gown adorned with ruby ivy leaves that sparkled like jewels, transforming the model into an image of old Hollywood glamour. This balance between modernity and classicism was key to the collection, something Murad stated was inspired by “actresses in vintage dresses, with corsets, transparency, and meticulously crafted embroidery.
Photo Credits: Image courtesy of Zuhair Murad/ Instagram
The setting could not have been more fitting for his presentation. The 18th-century Hôtel de Ville, with its gilded marble and grand architecture, served as the perfect backdrop for a collection that fused timeless glamour with the idea of retreating to a lost paradise. The choice of such an opulent and classical venue undoubtedly reflected what Murad sought to evoke with his creations: an escape from the present, a return to a simpler yet immensely sophisticated time.
Despite the challenges the current context imposed on Murad and his team, the designer expressed his resilience, acknowledging that, although the times have been difficult, they found inspiration to move forward. “We’ve been through worse periods,” he said with a smile. “And when we face difficulties, it only inspires us more, and we want to prove to the world that we are a people who love life, beauty, and community.” And that is exactly what Murad did with this collection: a celebration of life, struggle, and womanhood, expressed with the mastery that defines his work.
In times of uncertainty, Zuhair Murad shows us what he holds dear: unrelenting beauty, the quiet strength of femininity, and the promise of an eternal refuge, where luxury and nature intertwine, creating a paradise of dreams and pure elegance.
Photo Credits: Image courtesy of Zuhair Murad/ Instagram
