The first response one has to seeing the Zuhair Murad fall/winter 2015-2016 collection is a look of awe, followed by a pretty exuberant exclamation to all who would hear that you are head over heels in love with the looks portrayed. There is no way to escape, not from the magical designs that utterly captivate an individual. But that is the Lebanese charm, for we have seen those incredible designers from Beirut produce one magnificent collection after another, taking our breaths away with each piece showcased. Most of the collection is in black and white, following the year’s trends and really focusing on those stark contrasts that are altogether too appealing when translated into a fashionable art form. The black and white color scheme certainly is not the only reference to the latest trends either, as Murad brings our attention to the legs peek out from under high slits that creep up to the tops of the thighs, particularly on those wedding style gowns that we so dearly covet.

The lacework we find within the Zuhair Murad fall/winter 2015-2016 collection requires a paragraph unto itself as the incredibly talented designer weaves perfect silhouetted with the fabric, using it in the stead of sleeves to create a cape like ideal, allowing it to define the whole of the dresses themselves by acting as a translucent mesh behind which the beauty of the female body is worshiped in earnest; the lace is used on flared pants as well paired with a shiny vest like top that wraps around the body and leaves us admiring the open chest revealed through a plunging V neckline that is very much one of the many trends that have been rocking the runway from the spring/summer seasons down to the fall and winter. The lace is also turned into embroidered tops with flared sleeves, evening gowns with such perfect tailoring that we are unable to wrest our eyes from them, and perfect capes that have black sequin paillettes and stitched embroidered all the way through, sitting beautifully on the dress that leaves little to the imagination with its gauzy tulle material.

Zuhair Murad enjoys dressing up the stars that grace the red carpet and seems to create the perfect look that would be documented as the best dresses seen at the Oscars, the Grammy’s and all the different awards shows that seem to be an ongoing thing for the United States and the United Kingdom. It appears as if the movie Frozen has also captured his creative mind as snowflakes and ice crystals and turned into a perfectly white gown with a lovely train and plunging neckline, the waist and sides embroidered in the frosted fashion.

Tulle and satin, lace and tafetta; we see the gowns and the zigzag embroidered top, the high waist stretch trousers with the flared ends and the use of sequins all over the place make for an incredibly arresting collection. The colors may center around black and white, but we also have royal blue, and gentle teal, even a touch of purple that we can clearly see hitting the red carpet soon enough. The skirts of the dresses have hems that are mini level from time to time, a few pieces at midi and most coming down to the floor length in an attempt to have as many evening gowns available as possible. Beautiful collection!

Photos courtesy of Style.com