ZUHAIR MURAD, Couture Fall Winter 2017 2018 Show

That Gibson Girl Her figure is statuesque, her waist is narrow and her head is carried high: the Gibson Girl, a key figure of the late 19th century, is a much a beauty ideal as a symbol of modernity and empowerment. She is also at the origin of the Zuhair Murad Couture 201718 collection, injecting a sense of elegance equally timeless and deeply rooted in its time. This wardrobe plays with a duality between strength and delicacy. A sheath dress comes with a trail, a bodysuit is worn with a cape, and ample floorlength skirts are contrasted by plunging backlines. Textures and textiles are juxtaposed to express the same sense of contrast: Ostrich feathers adorn hemlines, pearled fringes undulate with each movement, thistles are painted and embroidered in sequins as a wink to Art Nouveau. Details including pleated tulles and tears of ruffles add an airiness and a sense of romance to the most complex of pieces. This ornamental and gracious allure is twisted with silk velvet layers, boleros, flo