Nadine Merabi’s First Resort Collection Redefines Beach Glamour

Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia sits down with Nadine Merabi, the womenswear designer to chat all things sequins, sun, and sand for her first ‘23 Resort Collection…

As temperatures soar, so does our expectation for breezy summer fits. Nadine Merabi’s luxury womenswear brand promises just that and more, inspiring us to send an Out of Office message in favor of fantasy dressing on our next vacation. 

Fittingly enough, the Lebanese designer’s eponymous brand first got its start from the designer’s desire to wear something beautiful. Self-taught from YouTube videos, Merabi began her fashion-filled journey as an event planner. With many an occasion to attend, it was crucial to have a look worthy of the invitation. A homegrown friendship with co-founder and managing director, Blue Wilson, solidified the business partnership and the rest is history. So began the journey of creating one-of-a-kind pieces—which morphed into Nadine’s mission to bring fashion confidence to women everywhere by way of dress in the form of party wear, bridal, and recently launched SS23 collections.

If the meticulous beading and craftsmanship of Merabi’s mainstay collections are any indicators, the first ‘23 resort collection is head over heels when it comes to couture beachwear–from kaftans and dresses to swimwear. Stunning in look and feel, at first glance the lineup is punchy in colour and silhouette. Serene blues and vibrant pinks are intertwined with tonal whites to fit whatever mood you’re in. Released in three waves, each ‘drop’ has its own intentional exotic theme to entice the wearer. The first drop was released in early June, with the second named Sol de Aqua arriving online on July 12th. Third time’s the charm with the final drop available for purchase on July 19th. 

Inspired by the idea of “MERABI on vacation,” the Resort campaign was shot in Ibiza by photographer Lela Radulovic. The mystique of the party shores of the Mediterranean is threaded through the Swarovski crystal-embellished pieces and then some. True to form, Merabi has her own summer vacation plans to tend to. As a mom of two beautiful daughters, the designer plans on taking a holiday to Spain with her family in tow. “It is so important for me to take a little bit of time out to fully focus on my family and not miss the girls growing up.” Writing in from her home in the UK, Merabi shares clues on the next two Resort drops and the peculiar way she fell into fashion… 

Tell me about MERABI’s origin story! How did you two (Blue and Nadine) first meet?

“The story really began while I was working as an event planner. I kept finding myself in need of new clothes to wear to the many events I was organizing and attending and I just couldn’t find anything on the market that fit my vision. So I taught myself how to sew by watching YouTube videos. I just wanted to make clothes that were unique and fit me really well, I had no intention of starting a full-on business, it really was just something I wanted to do for myself. When my designs started getting noticed and selling, especially when it was picked up by Selfridges, I knew I had something special. I knew Blue from the Manchester Circle. She’s an absolutely brilliant businesswoman who has done so much to make MERABI an international brand to be reckoned with. I am so lucky to have her.”

I read how you were an international England field hockey player! Quite a pivot to the catwalk–what drew you to fashion?

“I know my journey to fashion has been anything but ordinary! I started playing hockey, but there really wasn’t much money in women’s sports then. I first pivoted to event planning where I found myself in constant need of new looks. I’ve always loved fashion, I just never expected to get to where I am today, but I’m very happy I took the risk.”

What was the first piece of clothing you created? What was it like to design your first garment?

“The first thing I ever made was a dress consisting of 2 squares of fabric, tacked together down each side seam and held onto my body with a belt! Ha ha! This is when the actual creation of designs began, it was such a journey of learning and experimenting. Each piece I created was a struggle as I was learning along the way. Every time I hit a snag, I would watch a couple of videos and try again. I’m still so proud of myself for pushing through and finishing this piece.”

Fast-forward to today—the Resort collection (Escape to Paradise) is absolutely stunning! What was your source of inspiration?

“I love traveling and I wanted pieces to take with me on vacation! I’m always inspired by my father so that comes through in most of my work. He used to wear extravagant outfits when he moved to England, and he still is my greatest inspiration when designing new, vibrant styles.”

What was it like designing your first resort collection—any challenges/highlights you faced?

“This collection has been years in the making. I wanted everything to be absolutely perfect before sharing it with the world. The most challenging part of this collection was honestly narrowing down the pieces! Finding the right fabrics that are lightweight and breathable was also a bit of a challenge. But I had so much fun playing with bold colours and prints and trying new silhouettes!”

I read your love for glamour stems from your Middle Eastern background. How did you infuse your Lebanese background into this collection?

“I think my Lebanese heritage can be seen in a few different ways. I used some very vibrant colours and patterns. I played with different silhouettes and embellishments. Honestly, it really comes through in the drama of pieces.”

Any favorite pieces in particular? Tell me more.

“I love the new Piper Suit which comes in black and white colours. The fabric design took a while to create but in the end, I managed to get the perfect balance of intricate design and coverage teamed with MERABI tailoring.”

The craftsmanship is so detailed—I can’t get over the beading!! Can you share the behind-the-scenes on the construction?

“Our beaded styles are all hand sewn and each piece takes months to complete, the thing with the beaded styles is they exude luxury both in the feel and the look and create that extra special feeling when you are wearing them.”

What was your overall hope for when someone slips on one of your looks?

“My hope is that every woman feels confident. I put so much effort into the fit of each of my pieces so I really want everyone to feel like the best versions of themselves when they put it on.”

There’s going to be a 2nd and 3rd drop in early July! Tell us what we can expect from those collections.

“The next drop brings a new, summery twist on some of our classic styles as well as more brand-new pieces! We have new patterns, colours, silhouettes, etc. I can’t wait for you to see it!”

Last Question: Who is the MERABI woman? You’ve mentioned you love to create pieces that empower women—if just for a night out. I agree—clothing can be so transformative. How do you infuse confidence in your pieces?

“For me, it’s all about how the clothes fit. When you wear pieces that fit you perfectly, hugging you in all the right places, accentuating your curves, etc. you feel like the best version of yourself. That’s where the confidence comes in from. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, there’s no better feeling.”

All three of MERABI’s resort collections will be available to purchase at nadinemerabi.com.