story by Seth Friedermann
photos by Freda Henry
Lebanon has a long tradition of fine fabrics and even finer designers. Georges Chakra, Reem Acra, Elle Saab, and now Mr. Saab’s protégé, Jad Ghandour. This show is his international launch. A first collection is an contradictory event. On the one hand, you’ve had a longer time to prepare than you will ever have again, so it’s usually the best work a designer can create. But what do you create? What is you at your best and will also get you that lovely initial retail attention which is so important out of the gate? Mr Ghandour made a strong and obvious choice in the little black dress. These dresses, though black, were difficult to describe as “little” and are more aptly described as D.B.D. (Dangerous Black Dress). When you name Joan Crawford as your inspiration, and succeed in nailing it, you set a tone so loud it’s unmistakable. The parade of black leather gloves, black wide sun hats, corsets, and stunning powerful dresses that opened the show put any doubt to bed. The femme fatale has a new designer.
This is not to imply that Mr. Ghandour gave a one-trick pony show. Not at all, he showcased his talents at creating intimate silhouettes that were tight at the top and flared dramatically at the waist. He also displayed his inventiveness with technique in his creation of pleated diaphanous boleros and shrugs which ballooned and bubbled around the necks of the models as they walked. It was unique and eye-catching, and unbalanced the look in a new and fascinating way. The collection deepened further with his use of embroidery and the appearance of glittering stiff silver designs which are a lock for the red carpet outside of parties all over the world. Look for a deeper exploration of both collection and designer from modaCYCLE in the near future.
