Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 3

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2012-2013
Part Three

My coverage of Paris Couture Week comes to a close with a focus on the exquisite collections of Lebanese designers. We are all familiar with Beirut's most famous import, Elie Saab, but there are few more notable couturiers that deserve their space in the style spotlight. What I love about the Lebanese designers is their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite hand-beading, intricate attention to every detail, and their ability to bring princess perfect gowns to life with in a way that is delicate, elegant and utterly feminine. Click on the pictures to zoom in.

Elie Saab

The master of couture has served up another triumphant collection, possibly even more beautiful than the ones before. The silhouettes were graceful, accented at the waist with bateau necklines and lengths from midway to maxi. A vigorous splash of peach and teal added colour to the range of black, gold and taupe Imperial-inspired evening wear. Breathtaking gowns were contrived from lusciously beaded lace, silk crepe and brocade, drizzled with the opulence of a Byzantine empress.

Georges Chakra

The Lebanese designer celebrates 25 years in the fashion industry with a ritzy Fall Couture collection tinted in crimson red, midnight blue, rays of violet, black and lustrous gold. The hourglass figure is accentuated by fitted waists and bell-shaped skirts, while the asymmetrical shoulder was a prominent feature on the curve-hugging gowns. Sequins and feathers were found in abundance, methodically embroidered onto the dresses, adding dimension and texture. Favored by many-a-popstar, we can expect to see a few of Chakra's creations somewhere along the musical red carpet.

Georges Hobeika

An enchanting tale of fairies aflight and gardens in bloom, Georges Hobeika incited the magic of nature for his Fall 2012 Couture Collection. Fluttering gowns appeared in sublime shades of summer sage, rose red, lavender, minted aqua and sea breeze blue. Sumptuous velvets were underpinned by sheer chiffons, silk mousseline and lace, the pussycat neck bow acting as a leitmotif. The ethereal looks were festooned with dainty floral appliqués and a flurry of organza petals. I would love to see the hazy blue half of this collection on the red carpet, the second last look (blue ballgown, bottom row) is one of my favourites of fashion week.

Zuhair Murad

With style icons like Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez wearing his designs, Zuhair Murad is a fashion force to be reckoned with. He creates the kind of eye-catching, head-turning looks that always make a dramatic statement. For Fall 2012, Murad flirts with florals, as seen on the voluminous, varicolored gowns, and with delicately embroidered blossoms tacked onto gauzy lace, see-through silhouettes and full tulle skirts. Celestial white and ivory gowns make for pretty bridal wear, while red haute dresses appeal to one's passionate side. Concluding this extravagant collection is a set of emerald green and royal blue gowns in luxurious satins and silk, trimmed with feathers and self-shaded beads. 

Have you spotted your dream dress yet? That sums up the wonderment that was Paris Couture Fashion Week. Click for Parts One & Two of my runway reviews.