Zuhair Murad grew up in Baalbek, Lebanon. Since his childhood, he always dreamt of evading to a world of fantasy. He started sketching dresses at the age of ten, quoted as saying “I don’t recall a day in my life without a pen in my hand!”
In 1997, Zuhair Murad opens his first atelier in Beirut, catering to a growing private clientele.
In 2001, Murad presents his couture collection for the first time during Haute Couture Week in Paris, gaining momentum with international media.
In 2005, Murad launches the first RTW evening Collection (Rendez-vous), a simpler – yet a line still aesthetical, glamorous and contemporary, designed to meet the expanding needs of his clientele.
In 2006, Zuhair Murad opens his first boutique in Melrose Building, listed as architectural heritage and located in Bab Idriss Street, Downtown Beirut.
In 2007, Murad inaugurates his Parisian “Maison de Couture” in the heart of the Triangle d’Or at 1-1bis Francois 1er street. The ground floor of the Parisian showroom is dedicated to ready-to-wear collections, whereas the first floor displays the couture and bridal dresses and encompasses a design studio and workshop where both collections are created
In 2010, Zuhair Murad relocates to a new, eleven-story building in the heart of Beirut. The majestic space houses not only the corporate offices, but ZUHAIR MURAD’s design studio, design team, pattern makers, tailors and embroidery experts.
In 2011, >Zuhair Murad kicks off his RTW bridal collection in timeless pieces where romanticism and sensuality are perfectly depicted in all his garments reflecting the DNA of the brand.
In 2012, the supervisory board of the “French Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode” elects him as guest member to the Haute Couture official calendar.
In 2013, ZUHAIR MURAD inaugurates its bridal boutique located in its building in the heart of Beirut. The two-floor store brings the ZUHAIR MURAD codes to life with an innovative interpretation.
In 2016, ZUHAIR MURAD opens a store-within-a store at the prestigious Harrods store in London and in Kuwait, at the luxurious Harvey Nichols
In 2017,In order to give a renewed impulse to the Ready-To-Wear and Accessory line, ZUHAIR MURAD establishes a company in Switzerland. ZUHAIR MURAD SUISSE SA will then be the main hub for Strategic and Commercial development but also as RTW distribution platform worldwide.
In 2017, a shop in shop is opened in Istanbul at Vakko - Zorlu Center.
In 2017,Zuhair Murad joined the Bridal Lounge – Fifty One East in Doha, Qatar.
In 2018, ZUHAIR MURAD opens its first boutique in the UAE, at the Fashion Avenue in the Dubai Mall.
Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad
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Georges Hobeika
Georges Hobeika
“ The Georges Hobeika Bridal collection celebrates feminine elegance through romantic silhouettes. It is an ode to nature, beauty, and passion. ”
Georges Hobeika’s professional story began in Lebanon in 1995. In this country bordered by sparkling seashores, a young prodigy admired the thousand shades that vivify the Mediterranean and summoned the spirit of Haute Couture. Supported by his mother and some specialized tailors, he conceptualized and produced his first fashion show which was presented in Beirut. The GEORGES HOBEIKA signature was born. Quickly, the couturier’s notoriety crossed over the borders of Lebanon and throughout the MENA region, as couture clients came to know Georges Hobeika's work and talent. This regional fame soon went worldwide when the Couturier ventured to present his collection in Paris in 2001. Since then, Maison GEORGES HOBEIKA has organized shows during each Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris. By 2010, the growing demands of European journalists, international celebrities and clients justified the opening of the GEORGES HOBEIKA showroom on prestigious rue Royale in the heart of Paris. As of January 2017, Maison GEORGES HOBEIKA was named an elected Guest Member of La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Maison GEORGES HOBEIKA has fulfilled its manifesto of elegance and femininity, having created a world of fashion that includes Haute Couture, Bridal and Ready-to-Wear collections. Located in a luxurious neighbourhood of Beirut, the main atelier now employs more than 150 people. Now, more than ever, the brand perpetuates the dream of a young couturier, offering women an irresistible fashion journey woven with passion, elegance and harmony.
Esposacouture
Esposacouture
“ “Esposacouture bride is a couture queen by excellence; she is a versatile bride, and loves to stand out. She wants to be unique and she’s not ready to compromise on any detail to make her desires come true. She wants a tailor-made dress because she knows that her dream dress simply cannot be found anywhere.” ”
Reviving the fantasies and dreams of every woman’s platonic mind, the new Esposacouture bridal collection redefines feminine romance and sensuality through ethereal couture. Inspired by the fairytale memories that shape the persona of every woman, the collection dives in the deepest imaginations of love and romance to create unique pieces that rethink bridal enchantment. Staying true to the brand’s luxurious signature, the Esposacouture bridal gowns by Kristie Romanos, exhibit intricate craftsmanship while embracing the lightweight floating look of love. Extraordinary fabrics featuring elegantly draped sheer tulle, organza, and lace, lavishly marry with cascading layers, hand-sewn built-in bustiers, and impeccable structures to create glamorous silhouettes. Drama and romance unite in sublime royal capes, daring bows, meticulous threadwork, and gleaming metallic floral beading, recreating haute couture art. Versatility is certainly celebrated in Kristie Romanos’ creations, where infinite cuts and styles cater for all contemporary tastes. United in ultimate elegance honoring nature through 3D fabric petals, feather flowers, and bird motif, the A-line, ballgown, and mermaid dresses suggest a myriad of looks that have it all for the distinct sophisticated bride. Reflecting the designer’s vision of modern romance, the mystical creations reinvent feminine sensuality by bringing to life the elements of the botanical garden. Esposacouture 2020 collection is now available at Esposa Privé Dubai and Downtown, Beirut.
Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera
Designers
“ With Bridal collections, I always keep romanticism, femininity and sophistication in mind. Each dress has its own special look and story behind it. I am very honored every time a bride selects a Carolina Herrera wedding dress – it's so rewarding to contribute to one of the most important moments in a woman’s life – to make her feel beautiful and confident. ”
Establishing a globally recognized style aesthetic, Carolina Herrera has resided at the helm of her eponymous label for over three decades. Proving with each new season that effortless elegance paired with modern refinement is always relevant and embraced. With the encouragement and endorsement of legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, Carolina Herrera presented her first collection of women’s ready‐to‐wear at New York’s Metropolitan Club in 1981. The collection was an immediate success with luxury retailers and fashion press; and from there, her fashion house was born with the Carolina Herrera New York label.
Opening her New York‐based atelier shortly after the inaugural show and cultivating a team trained in haute couture craftsmanship, Carolina Herrera aligned her name synonymously with the city and all things luxury. With wedding gowns often included in her ready‐to‐wear runway shows, Carolina Herrera introduced her bridal collection in 1987. From the beginning, the bridal collection is designed with the same style vocabulary innate in the ready‐to‐wear. Carolina Herrera has become the destination for brides in search of femininity, a touch of romance and exceptional craftsmanship known to the atelier. Since the collection’s inception, Carolina Herrera has outfitted renowned brides such as Caroline Kennedy, Evan Rachel Wood, Amy Smart and Kristen Stewart’s character Bella Swan in “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn”. Finding resonance on the runway, down the aisle and in the pages of global fashion magazines, Carolina Herrera soon found a new home on the red carpet, dressing stars both on the rise and Hollywood’s iconic set such as Oscar winner Renee Zellweger, Salma Hayek, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Tina Fey, Taylor Swift and Zhang Ziyi.
With her ready‐to‐wear and bridal collections firmly in place, Carolina Herrera launched her first fragrance, Carolina Herrera Eau de Parfum in 1988. She has since released 13 additional fragrances for both men and women in collaboration with her daughter Carolina Herrera de Baez, the brand’s fragrance Creative Director.
In 2000, the first Carolina Herrera New York boutique location opened its doors on New York’s Madison Avenue and such began the brand’s retail expansion. Today, Carolina Herrera New York counts three flagship boutiques in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas. As a continuation of the runway collection, CH Carolina Herrera was introduced in 2001. This lifestyle sportswear brand is created in the spirit of Carolina Herrera’s design ethos including ready‐to‐wear and accessories for men, women and children with 126 boutique locations worldwide. The House of Herrera’s product portfolio of fragrance, apparel, accessories, and eyewear has over 15,000 points of distribution in 105 countries.
With both a global focus and adoration for the sum of all things beautiful, Carolina Herrera has been hailed as “Fashion’s First Lady”. She was named the CFDA Womenswear “Designer of the Year” in 2004 and honored with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Acting as a mentor, critic and inspiration to graduating design students throughout her career, Carolina Herrera received the honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2012. In addition, she was awarded the 2012 Fashion Group International Superstar Award. Recently, she was presented with the Nat King Cole Award for her charitable works and contributions to the EIF Women’s Cancer Research Fund. Carolina Herrera has also served as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society and the Intergovernmental Institution in the fight against malnutrition.
Gemy Maalouf
Gemy Maalouf
Designers
“ GEMY MAALOUF Bridal is the epitome of modernity and new inspiration: a new vision for an unconventional bride. ”
Gemy Maalouf was born and raised in Lebanon, where she grew up surrounded by the colorful materials at her father’s fabric factory. Little did she know at such a young age that she was about to embark on a life-long journey into the world of fashion, despite her parents’ wish that she study law. Further motivating her choice of career was her captivation with the designer gowns she saw on models gracing catwalks and on celebrities walking the red carpet during her adolescence. As a result, she decided that she would bring a novel approach to the industry by making haute couture more accessible to women.
Building on her desire to create simple yet intricate formal wear for sexy, modern, young and active women, Gemy quickly developed an exceptional eye for fashion. Cultivating her innate artistic talent, she first began designing gowns at just 17 years old, increasing her acumen for design by working in small workshops to bring her beautiful creations to life. By 1996, Gemy was ready to open her first atelier in Beirut, making her dream of becoming a globally recognized designer a reality. From the onset of her career, she stayed true to her initial vision and launched her first line of clothing under her name, embodying all the high-end qualities and luxury of the haute couture. The release of the collection met with much acclaim and only four years after starting her label, she reached the fashion world’s center stage when she became one of the first Lebanese designers to show at the “Salon du Prêt a Porter” in Paris.
Not one to remain satisfied with the status quo, Gemy soon sought other avenues through which she could expand her innovative designs and took an ambitious step by bringing her unique flair to the fashion-conscious bride in 2004 with the “GEMY MAALOUF Bridal” line. In 2006, she once again embraced progress and change with her GEMY “Le Prêt” line, which provides a complete range of formal attire, from tops and skirts to short dresses. Finally in 2007, feeling the increasing demand for her designs from a niche of clientele with lower budgets, Gemy launched her 2nd line Beside Couture by GEMY providing the style at more affordable prices.
Ines Di Santo
Ines Di Santo
Designers
“ A bride who is sophisticated looking for a gown with vibrant femininity, marked by superb fit, originality and inimitable construction. She most definitely enjoys elegance, simplicity and glamour in a design. ”
INES DI SANTO
Born in Italy and educated all over Europe and South America, Ines Di Santo is recognized as a leading designer of evening and bridal couture. Her love of glamour and high fashion inspires collections of sophisticated, vibrant femininity, marked by superb fit, originality and inimitable construction. A signature touch of unrestrained luxury reflects her Italian and Spanish heritage. Despite leading an ever-expanding, international business, she personally oversees the production of every gown, ensuring the highest standard of quality.
VERONICA DI SANTO
Veronica Di Santo has been working with her mother since the age of five. Growing up in the atelier and being able to oversee all aspects of creating a gown from inception to construction, Veronica has naturally developed her own stream of silhouettes, adding a contemporary freshness to her mother’s luxe classics. Much of her passion is traveling the globe, experiencing the latest in the world of bridal couture.
The Ines Di Santo atelier is in Toronto, Canada and the collection is featured regularly at luxury retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.
Marchesa
Marchesa
Designers
“ The Marchesa Bride is elegant and bold, and she is not dictated by trends. ”
British born Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig have built a fashion empire defined by elegant eveningwear and one of a kind couture designs. The duo met at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. Georgina’s draping and design expertise paired with Keren’s textile creations resulted in a business partnership and the establishment of Marchesa in 2004. With the extravagant and eccentric fashion icon and Italian heiress as their muse, Georgina and Kerens beautifully crafted runway collections and accessories line fuse exquisite detailing with supreme femininity. Coveted not only by celebrities, but by women of all ages, Marchesa continues to be the centerpiece of iconic red carpet moments and high end fashion alike. Based in New York, the Marchesa collections are presently available world- wide. Now with the launch of their premiere fragrance, there is a new and enticing way to experience the luxury of Marchesa.
Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier
Designers
“ The woman I design for is strong and elegant and exudes style and sophistication. She appreciates the glamour and luxe detailing in my collections and she simply wants to feel beautiful for whatever occasion she is dressing for. ”
Monique Lhuillier designs capture the essence of sophisticated luxury by provoking femininity, allure and glamour that have made her renowned in the world of design. Monique’s innate sense of style is prevalent throughout her bridal and ready-to-wear collections.
Monique’s love for fashion has been a lifelong passion. Growing up in the Philippines, Monique’s early experiences with fashion took place alongside her mother whose own sense of personal style and elegance were major influences for the designer. Enamored by fashion, Monique was encouraged to pursue her dream of becoming a designer. At a young age, she moved to Los Angeles to devote time to her craft and attend the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising.
The delightful fantasy of special occasions, especially weddings, has always inspired Monique Lhuillier. While studying at FIDM, this natural inclination towards bridal and evening gowns led Monique to her niche. It was also during her time at FIDM that Monique met her husband, Tom Bugbee. In 1995, while searching for her own bridal gown, Monique was surprised by the lack of fashionable bridal options. This void in the market reignited her passion to create couture bridal gowns that transcended styles available to women in search of the perfect dress.
In 1996, Monique debuted her first bridal collection to acclaim from retailers and magazine editors. The following year, Tom joined the company as CEO and turned Monique’s vision of a couture design house into reality. Their partnership has grown the business into one of the most successful brands internationally which now includes a ready-to-wear collection and an array of licensed categories.
In 2003, Monique was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Recognized internationally as one of the foremost fashion designers, Monique has dressed celebrities and important political figures such as Kristen Stewart, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore and the First Lady Michelle Obama.
Monique and Tom live in Los Angeles with their two children, Jack and Sophia. Monique’s career in fashion is enriched by her strong dedication to family and commitment to philanthropic efforts.
Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan
Designers
“ For my bridal collection I was inspired by the red carpet and also by the romance of a wedding. I dress many actresses and musicians for the biggest moments in their careers when they want to look their absolute best and of course my brides should look every bit as good on their big day. With this collection, over the top glamour is given the romantic treatment in the form of unique embroidery, soft tulle and lace, and elegant capes. ”
Many of the world’s most stylish women are devotees to one of the biggest names in fashion: Naeem Khan. Committed to adorning elegant women in clothes befitting their refinement, his glittering fan base of starlets and socialites includes Beyoncé, Pénelope Cruz, Lea Michele, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Emily Blunt, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, First Lady Michelle Obama and Queen Noor of Jordan, and his designs have graced the silver screen in fashion film classics like Dreamgirls.
His luxurious collection consists of impeccably cut dresses, sophisticated gowns and chic separates – all embroidered by hand. Khan was born in India and grew up surrounded by the beauty of its culture, architecture, history and design. He cultivated his vast knowledge of textiles under the watchful eyes of his grandfather and father, both well known in India for designing intricate clothing worn by the royal families. As a child, he was mesmerized by the handwork produced in their workshops, and always knew he wanted to be part of their intensely visual medium. As a teenager, Khan moved to the United States and apprenticed for Halston, where he absorbed the ethos of modern restraint, and the secrets of draping and cutting fabric to create a clean, elegant, timeless silhouette. Between the equally opulent but aesthetically opposite worlds of his father and Halston, Khan’s style was nurtured and his aesthetic was born.
He launched his eponymous collection, Naeem Khan, in 2003 and began selling at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Since then the collection has grown to be sold at more than 100 specialty stores across the world. His runway shows are among the most anticipated events of New York fashion week. In 2008, Naeem Khan was inducted as a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Naeem debuted a collection for HSN, TIMELESS by Naeem Khan, in October 2009, which sold out within moments of his first appearance on the network. The line is sold exclusively via HSN and consists of cocktail dresses and separates. An extension of the TIMELESS collection, a Tissavel faux fur line including hats, scarves, vests and coats, launched in November 2011. Naeem Khan Bridal launched in October 2013 and is being sold at top stores globally, including Bergdorf Goodman and Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in New York, Neiman Marcus in Dallas, and Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills.
Tony Ward
Tony Ward
“ The Bride of Tony Ward is a beautiful woman. She is full of confidence & is deeply romantic. She is celebrating Love, today & everyday. I always tend to show her silhouette even if it's a ball gown cut. Each of the La Mariée collection has a story behind it, inspired by HER. ”
Tony Ward is a Lebanese-Italian fashion designer who graduated from L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He deepened his knowledge of Couture techniques at Dior, Chloé, and Lanvin for over seven years in Paris before creating his own label. Tony Ward transformed his family’s couture house, established by his father in 1952, into an international brand. He creates collections that combine innovation and masterful cuts and lines. His creations attract members of Royal Families, Celebrities, and high-end international stores. After showing his Collections for ten years during the Italian Fashion week in Rome, Tony Ward chose to present his Couture line in Paris starting 2014. Aptly named ¨The Architect of Detail¨, he draws his inspiration from contemporary Architecture, which helps him envision sculptural forms, create innovative techniques and play with the boundaries of light and transparency.
Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta
Designers
“ Launched in 2006, the Oscar de la Renta bridal collection features a full range of utterly feminine and romantic gowns, as well as veils, shoes, belts, and fashion jewelry. The striking silhouettes, beautiful fabrics and extraordinary embroideries, from duchesse silk to French Alençon lace, make the collection coveted by brides-to-be around the world. Each year, a new bridal collection is debuted in New York. Oscar de la Renta bridal is available globally through wholesale partners and select retail boutiques. ”
Oscar de la Renta left his native Dominican Republic at the age of eighteen to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. While living in Spain, he became interested in the world of design and began sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses, which soon led to an apprenticeship with Spain’s most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Later, he left Spain to join Antonio Castillo as a couture assistant at the house of Lanvin in Paris. In 1963, he came to New York to design the couture collection for Elizabeth Arden. In 1965, Oscar de la Renta began his signature ready-to-wear label. Today the company also produces a bridal collection, a beauty line, a home collection, childrenswear and a complete range of accessories, including handbags, shoes and jewelry. In 2008, Oscar de la Renta opened its first international stores in Athens and Madrid, and has continued its expansion with the opening of Dubai in 2009, Tortuga Bay and Riyadh in 2012, and London in 2013. In August 2013, the house completed an expansion of its New York boutique, doubling their space on Madison Avenue.
Oscar de la Renta is a true visionary who has made incomparable contributions to society and altered countless lives. He has served twice as the president of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), and has been the recipient of their Womenswear Designer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Founders awards.
Oscar de la Renta has received two honors from King Juan Carlos of Spain, La Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil, and the Gold Medal of Bellas Artes. He has been awarded the French Legion d’Honneur as Commandeur.
A tireless patron of the arts, Oscar de la Renta has served on the Boards of Trustees of Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera Guild, New Yorkers for Children, the Americas Society, and is Chairman of the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute. Oscar serves as Chairman of Oscar de la Renta, LLC, the luxury goods firm he founded in 1965, and also as Chairman of Grupo Punta Cana, a hospitality and real estate company in the Dominican Republic. Oscar de la Renta is a dual citizen of the United States and the Dominican Republic, where he serves as Ambassador at Large.
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf
Designers
“ The Viktor&Rolf Mariage collection presents a contemporary and glamorous approach to bridal wear. A wedding dress is a dress for a once in a lifetime experience, a unique piece. It is an icon of one of life’s special moments. ”
Viktor&Rolf is the avant-garde luxury fashion house founded in 1993 by fashion artists Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren after their graduation from the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design. Widely recognized and respected for its provocative Haute Couture and conceptual glamour, the house of Viktor&Rolf aspires to create spectacular beauty and unexpected elegance through an unconventional approach to fashion. Staging signature collections for over twenty years during Paris Fashion Week – ever since the first Haute Couture collection in Spring/Summer 1998 – Viktor&Rolf creations evoke a provocative spirit infused with surreal contrasts. With Viktor&Rolf Mariage, Viktor&Rolf presents its bridal collection - an exploration of iconic elements inspired by classic couture influences. Viktor&Rolf’s luxury products include exclusive eyewear line Viktor&Rolf Vision, and an addictive catalogue of fragrances featuring worldwide bestsellers: Flowerbomb, Spicebomb, Bonbon and Magic.