Rabih Kayrouz, a designer who believes deeply in the transformative power of clothing, presented a collection that was as much about breath as it was about beauty. His opening look, a suit crafted from a crisp, paper-like cotton in a vibrant red, exemplified this philosophy. The near-weightless jacket, constructed from just three pattern pieces, flowed effortlessly, its sides completely free, held together by a delicate ribbon at the shoulder.
Kayrouz’s approach to design is rooted in the fundamentals: pattern and form. He considers himself a couturier, not an art director, driven by the desire to create masterful cuts and volumes. This is evident in his breezy tailoring, exemplified by fluid satin pajama-style pants, and the captivating volume of bubble-hemmed dresses that exuded a joyful buoyancy.
While his metallic jacquard ‘mermaid’ dresses sparkled with opulent fabric, their construction remained deceptively simple. Look 30, for example, was a testament to the designer’s precision, a testament to his ability to create stunning silhouettes through meticulous execution.
Adapted from a previous couture collection, a knit dress featuring spiraling cording showcased Kayrouz’s dedication to craftsmanship. While impressive, it felt more consciously considered, stiffer and more formal compared to other pieces like the elegant, slip-on shirt dresses, generously cut khakis, and a strapless dress in a vibrant orange, a guaranteed mood-booster.
Kayrouz emphasizes the power of creating joy through his work, a message particularly poignant given the current state of the world. “We must create joy ourselves,” he states, acknowledging the complexities of our times. “Especially nowadays, especially in my country, things are not fine… To do my work and to do it rightly, to do it correctly and honestly, this is what brings me joy; it’s kind of a refuge.” Through his collections, Kayrouz offers not just fashion, but a reminder of the power of beauty, simplicity, and joy in a world that desperately needs it.
