Ziad Nakad Debuts a Rebellious Yet Refined Vision for Spring/Summer 2025
A new page has turned in the book of Lebanese designer Ziad Nakad's illustrious career. Presenting his Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture collection in Paris, he left everyone in awe with a fresh aesthetic that intertwined edgy glamour and youthful sophistication. Among the notable names observing the spectacle from the front row were Miss France 2025, Angelique Angarni - Filopon, actresses Leila Ben Khalifa, and Cynthia Khalifeh - all of whom added a touch of star power to a runway already brimming with excitement.
For the SS25 season, Nakad's 37-piece collection boldly diverged from his previous offerings. Highlighting daring silhouettes, a diverse array of fabrics, and a rock - glam, this lineup was far from conventional. "My latest collection is more structured - there's more skin, a bit of femme fatale energy - and I've introduced a new material: sequined nets, which appear in some of my dresses as a homage to my younger clients", Nakad revealed. "Even the wedding gown is one of the highest and simplest designs I've created in recent years". Indeed, this change in direction reflects the couturier's desire to captivate a fresh demographic, an intentional pivot that underscores his continued relevance in an ever-evolving fashion landscape.
Despite this contemporary tilt, Nakad stayed true to the DNA of Maison Ziad Nakad: the celebration of female beauty through luxurious detailing. The brand's signature codes - opulent embroidery, intricate crystal fabrics, and shimmering sequins - are all present, though seen through a sharper, modern lens. Calling this collection "Iris", the designer took inspiration from the flower known to symbolize beauty and femininity. The runway bloomed with vibrant hues of soft pastels, chic blush, royal black, and metallic bronze, elevated by floral 3D appliques and flowing spirals reminiscent of a lush garden at full bloom.
"I wanted my Spring/Summer collection to be as season - appropriate as possible", Nakad explained. "We often forget this is a time filled with outdoor events, beach parties, and special occasions in hot weather, so I used plenty of pastel colors and, most importantly, florals - hence the name Iris. I also introduced lighter materials like crepe and mousseline". The result is a sartorial kaleidoscope of puffed sleeves, structured dresses, and metallic petal accents, each piece a statement of wearable art.
Perhaps the most notable shift, however, was Nakad's willingness to embrace a bolder sense of style - proof that classic elegance and modern allure can seamlessly coexist. "This season, I took a bold step in beginning the next chapter for my label", he added. "I want my brand to strike the perfect balance between classic and modern, always keeping in mind the diverse women who seek my creations".
As Nakad looks to the future, he has already set his sights on ready-to-wear, bridal, and a new couture collection slated for July 2025. These ventures promise to expand the brand's reach and further shape the identity of the Ziad Nakad woman: the ultimate trendsetter and source of inspiration - both on and off the runway.
In unveiling "Iris", Ziad Nakad heralds a season of daring transformation while holding fast to his house's celebrated artisanal heritage. With a fusion of redefined glamour and youthful exuberance, it is evident that this is only the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter for the Lebanese couturier - and the style - conscious women who wear his creations.