The successes of Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad are numerous. And from the start of his career, he has had success after success. He has won awards and has been chosen by many Arab actresses to be their designer for special occasions.
Q: Tell us about your first fashion show outside Lebanon.
A: It was in 1998 in Milan and was exclusively for the press. That show was the point at which I crossed over to the Western world and after that, the shows which followed contributed to my success and significance. I considered that time in my life as an important one, characterized by seriousness and openness to both the world and the press. My work moved into greater professionalism, craftsmanship and my responsibilities to myself, my name and to others increased.
Q: What important awards have you won?
A: The “Golden Needle” in 2002 is among the most famous prizes. At the time, I was the first non-European designer to win. I also won a prize in Lebanon as a result of a survey done there. I am happy to see my designs worn by socialites, daughters of kings, presidents and the wives of political figures. This proves that what I do reaches the people.
Q: In your opinion, does design promote the star or is it the other way around?
A: One can say that each contributes to the other. I must take this opportunity to state that I don’t target actresses; they are the ones who seek me out and I have found that I am often designing for actresses. Still, they did not begin wearing my designs until I had made a name for myself. When they wore my designs, however, it did increase my popularity. After the singer Nancy Ajram wore one of my wedding dresses in a music video, wedding dress orders rained down on me. This has also happened as a result of my designs which were worn by other stars such as Haifa Wahbi, Pascal Meshalani, Sherin Ahmad and others.
