Ziad Nakad Takes Flight for FW27 Couture

Byzantine mosaics and ecclesiastical ornament informed Ziad Nakad's previous couture collection. For Fall–Winter 2027, the Lebanese designer turns from architectural references to the natural world. Titled L'Envol ("flight"), the collection translates the movement of birds into layered silhouettes, elongated lines and embroidery that suggests feathers without becoming literal.

The 34-look collection builds the idea of flight through silhouette as much as decoration. Nakad looks to the rhythm of a bird in motion: skirts shift with the body, elongated trains extend the line of the gown, and feather-inspired embroidery recurs throughout as a connecting detail across the pieces.

Fluidity carries forward Nakad's established couture vocabulary. Mermaid gowns remain central, sculpting the figure before opening into softer, flowing hems, while A-line silhouettes bring in volume without losing their defined structure. That contrast between precision and ease is what gives the collection its sense of movement.

The fabrics shift between density and transparency. Velvet lends depth to the evening gowns, while sheer tulle and crystal embroidery build lighter surfaces that catch the light. Leather appears in measured accents, adding a sharper texture against the surrounding softness. Bespoke Swarovski crystals — cut specifically for the collection — round out the embellishment, sharpening detail without overtaking the construction.

The palette settles into deep, natural tones: navy, burgundy, forest green and earthy brown stand in for the brighter hues usually associated with formal eveningwear. The effect is a quieter register, one that keeps the focus on silhouette and craftsmanship rather than colour.

The collection closes on a bridal look built around restraint: a pared-back silhouette, light construction, and embellishment used sparingly enough that proportion carries the look on its own.