Ziad Nakad shines in Cannes

Women who settle for nothing less than exceptional elegance and sophistication will adore the new Fall/Winter collection from Lebanese designer Ziad Nakad, presented recently in Cannes, in collaboration with Cartier. 

 

In a show that was nothing less than a masterpiece, Nakad amazed the audience with 23 gorgeous designs that demonstrated beyond any doubt his incredible flair for fashion. Adding to the glamour was the Cartier haute joaillerie worn by the models – the latest necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings featuring precious gems ranging from diamonds, to pearls. 

 

The road to success

Nakad’s first tentative steps toward a career in fashion design came from a simple hobby. Today, he is one of Lebanon’s most talented fashion designers and is beginning to carve out an international reputation for his distinctive style. 


During the eight years in which he has slowly forged a path into the fashion world, Nakad has developed a look that is distinctively his own. While the inspiration for each collection is always different, the constant is his desire to make women look beautiful and original. “Nothing specific inspires me,” he said, “Sometimes it’s nature, sometimes it’s the originality in something I see.”

 

The Fall/Winter 2003/2004 collection is a combination of all things natural. The colors and the fabrics used were all inspired by Mother Nature, taking on the hues of flowers, stones and the earth.

 

All of Nakad’s designs exhibit his own particular style – superbly designed garments, exquisitely crafted from beautiful fabrics. The attention to detail is unerring and the quality and finish of his garments impeccable. This is a designer whose dedication and talent are sure to earn him continued success. 

 

When it comes to clients, Nakad has a devoted following. From his very first fashion show – which he staged at the tender age of 23 – Nakad has had an association with such fashion luminaries as Naomi Campbell and Karen Mulder, both of whom have paraded his designs on the catwalk. Many well-known personalities have worn his designs, and Latifa is one of his most devoted clients.

 

So what kind of women does Nakad prefer to dress? “The soft, sweet woman inspires me, but I love to dress all types of women,” he said. 

 

Although Nakad was a little reluctant to reveal future plans, we do know that a prêt-a-porter line is on the horizon. His future goals are many and his endeavors great, but everything comes with time. “We also have many projects abroad,” he enthused.

 

If all this has whetted your appetite for a taste of Nakad’s genius, you’ll be very pleased to learn that you’ll have a rare opportunity in the not-too-distant future to see his creations first-hand at a showing in Lebanon late this year.