Zuhair Murad’s Thoughts On Jennifer Lopez’s Wedding Gown And His Show-Stopping Bridal Spring 2023 Collection
As the hopelessly romantic label unveils its latest collection, Bazaar Bride gets a sneak peek into the mastermind at the helm of the illustrious house
A genuine question to raise upon a quick Google search of Zuhair Murad is understandably, “is there a glamorous red carpet or VIP event the Lebanese couturier’s gowns haven’t graced?” Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Priyanka Chopra, and Egyptian actress, Yousra are among the many to have worn his ethereal creations, and if the term ‘show-stopping gowns’ had a place in the dictionary, the creative’s name would undeniably accompany it.
Zuhair Murad is the very definition of a powerhouse entrepreneur, and if you find yourself in the fortunate position of having a gown created by the man himself, you’ll quickly realise you’re in the presence of a sartorial genius thanks to his meticulous attention to detail, and eternal pursuit of statement silhouettes that flatter the female form.
Born and raised in Baalbek, Lebanon, Zuhair’s fascination with fashion began at an early age. While his friends raced their bikes around the streets, the 10-year-old preferred to spend his time sketching dresses. Moving to Paris after high school to hone his skills and obtain a fashion degree, Zuhair returned to Lebanon in 1997 to open his first atelier in Beirut.
A man on a mission, just four years later he was showing at Haute Couture Week in Paris. “My ambition has always driven me. Creating my own brand was, for me, the only way to proceed,” he tells Bazaar Bride. “Individuality is in the essence of my designs, so it’s understandable this translates into my business approach, too. My vision is always highlighted by originality, newness and glamour.”
And glamour is something he serves in spades. Describing the label as “contemporary, feminine, sexy-yet-sophisticated,” the craftsman reveals that inspiration is acquired from each client’s individual style and charisma, before he sketches his masterpiece. “Whether a bride is going simple or all-out, she is undeniably searching for a fit that complements her. She is looking for a gown that will make her feel unique, and look spectacular.” It’s his innate ability to absorb exactly what the client desires, and then swathe the vision with his signature savoir-faire, which has propelled Zuhair and his eponymous fashion house to global success, adored by brides-to-be around the world.
From the moment the label was thrust into the limelight, a penchant for bridal couture has always been at the heart of the brand, with Sofia Vegara and Jasmine Tookes among the many women to have walked down the aisle in custom-made creations. “I was thrilled to design Jasmine’s wedding dress. From the embroidery of floral patterns to the beading of subtle pearls, the off-white mermaid gown featured a high-collared neckline and long, arm-hugging sleeves. It’s an impressive dress, since a thousand hours of craftsmanship were put into its making,” Zuhair reveals.
For her on-screen wedding in the 2022 movie, Marry Me, long-time friend of the brand, Jennifer Lopez, wore a stunning strapless gown from the designer’s couture collection, rumoured to weigh 95lbs. “The rumour is true,” Zuhair confirms. “The wedding dress does weigh 95lbs. The ivory dress is showered with shimmering crystal-motifs and features a silk tulle veil, fully covered with crystals and sequined patterns.”
In real life, Jennifer Lopez announced her engagement to Ben Affleck shortly after the movie release. Could we witness a case of life imitating art when the actress walks down the aisle? Only time will tell. “After Jennifer wore the dress in the movie – a couture piece straight from my runway – I would like to see her in something quite different for her own wedding… perhaps something less voluminous, yet equally mesmerising,” Zuhair says of the star who has “worn many of my designs in a variety of silhouettes, successfully pulling off her look every time.”
Characterised by exquisite embellishments, opulent textiles and poetic silhouettes so profoundly on point, there is no denying Zuhair Murad’s mission is to tell stories through design, with a distinctive passion deeply threaded into the seams of each and every piece. The Bridal Spring 2023 collection is no exception.
Inspired by the spectacle of a starry-night sky, the latest bridal collection flirts with a variety of fabrics festooned with scores of shimmering flourishes. Paying homage to the daring-yet-graceful bride who wants to elegantly indulge in the fairy-tale fantasy, Zuhair reveals, “For the spring 2023 season, the Zuhair Murad bride consecrates the nuptials of fantasy and reality drawn from the cosmos. Her eyes closed, she envisions her gown with a thousand reflections. A sundry of images scroll past. A billowing magical spectacle unfolds before her; ethereal enchantments of crystals speckled on skirts of interminable lengths; tactile translucence transfused by a dance of shadows; scents of lace in wondrous bouquets.”
Describing the fanciful elements realised throughout the hopelessly romantic collection, Zuhair goes on to reveal, “Star patterns swirl across diaphanous fabrics, embroidered and embraced with sparkles in a variety of constellations for an ethereal lustre. Sequins accentuate dreamy princess gowns with cinched waists, and silk tulle envelopes the arms in a tender embrace.”
If setting hearts on fire is indeed Zuhair Murad’s mission, consider it complete. Irresistible to those who drink in the drama of whimsical silhouettes that take your breath away, one thing is for certain, Zuhair Murad brides are out-of-this-world.
Visit ZuhairMurad.com
From the S/S22 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride.
Images courtesy of Zuhair Murad