Zuhair Murad followed in the footsteps of fellow countryman Robert Abi Nader, who also combined the best of heritage with Parisian training

by Jack Yan

Photographed by Frédéric de la Chapelle

T HAS BEEN SAID that Robert Abi Nader is the ‘king of Middle Eastern haute couture’. If not the king, then he certainly comes near, with his share of royalty amongst his clientèle. Graduating from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in 1985, he was one of the first Lebanese designers to make it big in France, succeeding Oscar de la Renta at Balmain.
   Migration is a trait of successful Lebanese, searching for victories offshore. Ralph Nader shares these roots, as does Shakira, Paul Anka, Jamie Farr, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, former Ford CEO Jac Nasser and Swatch boss Nic Hayek. Learning other cultures is second-nature to a people who have roots that are more diverse than any other country may claim other than the United States.

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