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DUBAI: Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad has unveiled his latest collaboration with Italian label Marina Rinaldi. Murad designed the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 capsule collection inspired by China’s Tang dynasty. 

Drawing from the dynasty’s introduction of peony cultivation in imperial gardens, Murad infused the collection with images of the flower.

The collection focuses largely on eveningwear.

“Grand evening gowns go beyond the pure object, they are a way of investing in one’s personal history,” the designer said in a released statement. True to his signature style, the collection features hourglass silhouettes and intricate hand-embroidered details.

The collection’s color palette mirrors another element of Tang dynasty artistry — delicate chinaware. Soft shades of cream, sky blue, aquamarine green and pink infuse the flowing chiffon gowns, pleated bodices and long plisse skirts. 

“These looks wrap and enhance all women,” said Murad, highlighting the collection’s inclusive and flattering designs. The pieces are crafted from a mix of luxurious fabrics, including cady, pure silk georgette and shimmering sequins hand-sewn onto tulle to create a wave effect.

The silhouettes range from semi-fitted bodices that gently flare out to rich, flowing kaftans adorned with peony motifs. The collection also features long-sleeved gowns with deep V-necklines that emphasize the waist, along with sleek trouser suits for a modern touch.

The Tang dynasty ruled china from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. The period was known for its flourishing arts and culture scene, with imperial ceremonies reviving the practice of hosting orchestras and companies of dancers. China in this period was also open to outside influences as as Arabian and Persian seamen did trade in the area.

This is Murad’s second collection for Marina Rinaldi that merges historical influences with contemporary fashion. 

The designer has been recognized for his detailed craftsmanship in haute couture and bridal fashion. Since founding his brand in 1997, he has gained international attention. His creations have been worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Sofia Vergara, Blake Lively, Kristen Stewart, and Scarlett Johansson on major red carpets. 

He is also one of a handful of Arab designers on the official Paris Fashion Week and Paris Haute Couture Week calendars.

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid shared praise for Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace on Saturday, days after the latter announced she will be stepping down as the creative director of the Italian luxury fashion house founded by her late brother Gianni Versace.

“Donatella era … will live on for infinity,” Hadid posted on Instagram alongside a carousel of images of her various shoots for the storied fashion house.

“Our time together will be memories I am buried with. The first time I truly felt beautiful in our industry … thank you for being fashion mother to us all, for making us feel loved, beautiful, unique, sexy, happy,” she added.

Versace replied with her own message for the model, who has starred in campaigns for Versace and has hit the runway for the luxury label on numerous occasions.

“Bella, your words truly mean the world to me. You are beautiful inside and out with a heart made of Versace gold. I love you so, so much. Thank you for always being there for me. With love, Donatella Versace,” she wrote in the comments section.  

The designer will assume the new role of chief brand ambassador, Versace’s US owner Capri Holdings announced on Thursday.

Versace will be replaced by Dario Vitale, who most recently was design director at the Miu Miu brand owned by the Prada Group. His appointment is effective on April 1, the Associated Press reported.

Versace, 69, welcomed Vitale, emphasizing in a statement that “championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me,'” while Vitale, 41, thanked Versace for "her trust in me.”

Versace was thrust into the role of creative director in 1997 after her brother's murder in Miami, at first tentatively and then with a boldness that led to some big runway and red carpet moments.

The creative shift comes amid speculation that the Prada Group is in talks to buy Versace from Capri Holdings, which paid 2 billion euros (currently $2.2 billion) for the fashion house in 2018. The U.S. group also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, AP reported.

Miuccia Prada acknowledged interest in the brand on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week last month, while Versace made no comment at what was to be her last runway show.