The Ask.
Analyze one fashion collection from a specific designer or brand.
The Process.
Identify a Collection
One of my favorite designers for a few years now has been Zuhair Murad. I have always loved beading, sparkles, and color, and the way Murad incorporates these aspects in such an intricate and beautiful way into his pieces just blows me away. In every couture piece, there is such attention to detail in regards to the intricate embellishments and it gives the gowns a beautiful, polished look. When looking at his collections, it is clear that Murad is truly a romantic and a dreamer at heart because there is just something breathtaking about his work. This dreaminess and romanticism are also clearly expressed in the Zuhair Murad Couture Spring 2022 collection, and I was immediately drawn to it the first time I saw the photos.
How did this collection come to be?
After selecting the collection, I had to research in order to understand the influences behind this collection and if the collection reflects the zeitgeist of the time. This collection was inspired by pirates roaming the high seas. According to the designer, pirates represent freedom, confidence, and bravery. Murad was speaking to how during these past couple of years people have endured so much, but they still need to be able to imagine, dream big, and have hope. In addition, the explosion that occurred in Lebanon in August of 2020 also impacted Beirut, and this destroyed Murad’s atelier located there.To Murad, this collection is a celebration of not only his resiliency through the unprecedented times, but also the world’s.
Connection Between Inspiration and Final Product
After recognizing how this collection came to be, it was time to dive into how these themes were represented in the show, while considering the setting of the runway, the music, the makeup on the models, the materials and fabrics used in the pieces, and of course, the actual garments being showcased. I had to pick a few looks from the collection that can provide a synopsis of the journey of the show. In addition, I had to analyze the significance of the silhouettes and necklines to acknowledge how they fit into the themes of resiliency, exploration, and the pandemic. It was important to point out the emotion evoked from each look because how certain fabrics, colors, and embellishments are used can make us feel something.
The Outcome
Through this project, I was given the opportunity to learn more about one of my favorite designers. I have been keeping up with his work over the years, but I never knew about his background and who inspired him when he was an aspiring designer. In addition, this analysis further proved to me that fashion can tell stories too, and here I see a journey that a strong individual has endured. It could be a neckline, it could be stones, or even fabric, but it was all intentional to tell the audience a story. Diving deeper into a collection and understanding the artist’s intention only makes us appreciate the pieces that much more.
