The curvy, over-the-top glamour of Zuhair Murad has been hard to miss on the red carpet lately. The Lebanese designer dressed Taylor Swift for the 2012 Grammy Awards and Jennifer Lopez twice in one night for the Oscars last week. (The plunging, sheer pleated gown she wore to present caused a stir when speculation of a wardrobe malfunction swirled.) Murad, who shows his evening gowns off calendar during couture, is focusing on growing his ready-to-wear business, which he presented Saturday at the Hôtel de Crillon. It, too, is a glamour-driven lineup, which he described as “Edwardian and Baroque, with a touch of rock.” There were flashy cocktail dresses replete with sequins and feathers, but also romantic blouses in sheer chiffon, a killer pair of navy leggings with an elaborately embroidered waistline, and an elegant cashmere coat with big fox collar. Understatement is a relative term, but Murad has his gilded market mapped out. He’s launching accessories next season and has plans to open three new stores this year, in Kuwait, Doha and Moscow. -WWD
