Zuhair Murad’s line up for fall couture takes inspiration from Imperial Russia. The collection features various elements, reminiscent of Imperial Russia, from military wear to Fabergé eggs.

The detailing on the outfits is exquisite and shows sophisticated elegance. The femininity in the collection punctuated with military wear. The Boyar-inspired jackets are punctuated royal eagles’ motifs, badges and corded detailing. The dark palette gives way to some red and then fades to pale shades of green, grey and ivory embellished with gold beadwork.

In the words of Zuhair Murad,

“This hybridity is also expressed in a cropped A-line beaded dress in oxblood sequins with a military collar and sleeves; a dress coat in khaki satin duchess elevated with golden silk thread and paired with matching shorts, or a jumpsuit in celadon blue with chiffon sleeves and a floor-sweeping cape.

The bridging of the masculine and feminine, of ornamentation and functionality, two usually opposed worlds, reflects today’s modern woman.”

Imperial Russia was one of the largest empires in the world, lasting between 1720 all the way until 1917. It’s reach was across three continents, Covering diverse lands and people.

But, ultimately, the Russian Revolution of 1917 would put an end to Imperial Russia, bringing a long era of history to a close. During the imperial period, Russia had waged wars, conquered surrounding lands, and produced some of the most well-known, and highly feared, monarchs in modern history.

Leaders like Catherine the Great and Tsar Alexander II brought Imperial Russia to the forefront of global power and helped shape history in ways that can still be felt today. However, at the same time, these monarchs presided over a system that kept many in poverty, put upon by a system that propped up a fortunate few.

Finally, in 1917, two revolutions dismantled the monarchy, swept the communist Bolsheviks into power, and closed the book on the Russian Empire. Soon, much of what existed before the revolution would be no more.

Murad’s inspiration for this collection is ultimately drawn from the grandeur style dressing from Russian Empire era.

Images from Zuhair Murad

Valerie Ekpo

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