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   This collection was arguably more Parisian than Lebanese, though the use of colour and ornamentation was similar to what Lucire saw at Murad. Abi Nader’s designs were sumptuous rather than extravagant, with his willing use of fur. The material, once banned by supermodels in high-profile campaigns, is back, with the International Fur Trade Federation showing a seven per cent rise in sales last year.
   Gold and white were offset by deeper red shades from fur and silk. Abi Nader did not send down models pretending to be royalty, nor did he play on the fact that he does dress princesses—fortunately. Instead, this was a couture collection that had a dose of the fanciful with two feet planted firmly on the ground. It is 2002, after all.
   

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