Zuhair Murad Fall Couture 2014

Zuhair Murad used graphic tone-on-tone embroideries to create peekaboo effects on column dresses in his signature sheer fabrics.

A wave pattern appeared like a natural evolution of the zebra prints he showed last couture, while an Art Deco spirit pervaded some of the geometric motifs, like the one running across a short silver dress with pointed sleeves and hem.

The Lebanese designer used black and white to great effect, whether on a draped bustier gown that was neatly split in half for a yin-and-yang effect, or on a bomber jacket embroidered with an abstract checkerboard pattern worn over a stiff black skater skirt.

The monochrome looks contrasted with vibrant marine and turquoise shades that evoked visions of the Riviera. Murad also nodded to couture trope with a crimson strapless ballgown featuring an asymmetric ruffle train. While it was technically accomplished, his sparkly creations were more likely to win the youth vote.