For autumn/winter 2020-2021, Georges Chakra’s haute couture collection is all about timeless elegance accompanied by simple volumes and primal colours. The collection, which was launched out of the heart of Beirut, where Chakra is based, was developed on the sidelines of the recent first-ever digital Paris Haute Couture Week.
While dressing the contemporary woman, the Lebanese couturier looked to matriarchs and ancestors, known for their pride, courage and strength. Some favourites include a black crepe gown with hand embroidered handkerchief appliqué and bow, a soft gold charmeuse gown with a sheer embellished side and waves of pleats and a red draped gown with an asymmetrical shoulder, crystal encrusted plunging back and a thigh-high slit.
With hues like black, white, red, purple, gold and touches of anthracite and greige, the colour palette harks back to eras where prosperity and artistic expression were thriving. And the touches of lamé and iridescence magnify the opulence that radiates from the collection by the designer who established his brand in 1985.
Created with resources from the house’s archives, the pieces come in fabrics like lace, velour de soie, silk organza and gazar. And while pleats, ruffles, fans and flames enliven the gowns, there’s also a striking optical play thanks to opaque meeting with a glimmer of translucence.
Additionally, Chakra, a Canadian Fashion Academy graduate who has dressed A-listers like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Hiba Tawaji and Catherine Zeta-Jones, has chosen to highlight the bust. He has also given back detailing a centre stage spot. The pronounced collars and defined epaulettes are empowering, however subtlety also features via the fluidity of the capes and fabrics.
