ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | 2020 BIG FASHION ISSUE
Article Published on: 21 FEB 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
ZIAD NAKAD is a Lebanese fashion designer who makes the world's most incredible gowns. He is popular for enormous sleeves, slit skirts, and asymmetric styles.
Born of Lebanese descent, Ziad Nakad knew from his very early teens that he was to work in fashion. Since his young years, he was attracted by eccentric fabrics, scheme embroideries, and unconventional beading which married his designs back then especially sketched for his family to wear. Encouraged by this genuine success, the talented young man decided to explore his passion for fashion and embrace dressmaking art with studies in the field. In parallel, he mastered the art of couture by working with many famous fashion designers in Beirut. In 1997, he turned his dream into a career when he was invited to take part in the Beirut International Fashion Show for Couture in Beirut and dressed renowned supermodels like Karen Mulder, Nadja Urman, and Jennifer Driver.
His first fashion shows garnered much praise from critics and opened the doors to a whirling series of defiles sparking international interest in the designer. Such exposure led to another milestone in his career with his first international defile in Milano in 2001 followed suit by another one in Cannes in 2003 and that was only the beginning.
Ziad Nakad launched his fashion house in 1997 reaching out to women who like clothes with a dramatic flair and timeless femininity. His designs epitomize glamour and simplicity which appeal to a discerning clientele, including international personalities and stars. Women dressed by him are offered aesthetic cuts coupled with great attention to detail revealing their potent character. The designer’s strong enthusiasm for fashion and his ability to highlight women's beauty and silhouette has been at the core of his business attracting a discerning clientele who value unique designs and materials. His collections reveal elegance and style through several lines of clothing designed to meet the various needs of modern ladies: from the casual to a more sophisticated prêt-a-porter, to couture and bridal, Ziad Nakad’s lines of clothing tailor to every woman looking for originality and class.
ZIAD NAKAD'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DE MODE
Q. How is working in fashion different today in comparison to when you began?
A. Fashion evolved progress and many styles that change every season and with Paris fashion week it’s always a challenge to create a new identity for each show.
Q. What is your favorite part about being a designer?
A. My favorite part is that my designs can reach and satisfy women’s tastes in different cultures and backgrounds.
Q. How do you want women to feel when wearing your masterpiece?
A. I want them to feel proud, strong, being themselves, and comfortable with themselves wearing my masterpieces.
Q. Where do you go for inspiration when working on a new collection?
A. It completely depends on the theme and I go deep into my thoughts and ideas whenever I work on a certain collection.
Q. How did you manage to create your recent collection during the pandemic?
A. It was created with effort and a small team, it wasn’t easy with the lockdown. I started sketching at home...
Q. How do you feel about running your own clothing company?
A. It’s a challenge and I’m used to it as I started my business 20 years ago to ensure a high standard for my clients.
Q. There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season. What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?
A. I advise him/her to be creative, to have a fashion background for inspiration, and not to copy. Also to have perseverance and believe in his/her dream.
Q. What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
A. It plays a big role and gives great coverage worldwide. Your designs can reach the whole globe.
Q. The fashion industry has changed so much in the past few years, what’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the curve?
A. To stay up to date illuminating the femininity of women and their beauty.
Q. How do you feel about being interviewed by DE MODE?
A. I feel really happy and grateful, and I wish to work together again.