Maison Makarem Debuts SS17 Collection
I welcome any opportunity to stroll through the luxurious interiors of The Ritz London hotel and inhale the fine air of its history and prestige. So I was, naturally, delighted when an invitation to a private viewing of SS17 collection of the new luxury British womenswear label Maison Makarem dropped through my letterbox.
Following the harmonious sounds of the piano, cello and violin and the beautiful voice of the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Molly SD, I knew I was headed in the right direction, further spotting the fashion style icon, Olivia Palermo chatting to the actress Naomie Harris and the British music star Ella Eyre. 
It was no surprise the debut Neo Opulent collection of The House of Maison Makarem was held in The Music Room of the Ritz. The soft pastel hues of pink and green walls, soaring windows and impressive chandeliers hanging above nothing but complimented the stunning fashion collection display.
The models stood like art pieces in front of a breathtaking backdrop wall made of fresh white, peach and pink roses, created by WildWood Flowers. The hairstyling maestro Errol Douglas MBE created a wearable and polished look, with makeup ‘epitomising a classy look with a modern twist, skin looking expensive, with warm brown hues softly diffused over the eyes and lips’, explained the head make-up artist, Phoebe Taylor.
Inspired by the traditions of Couture design and driven by a love of timeless elegance, Layal Makarem, the creative force behind the luxury label, pays a homage to the modern, confident woman who desires authentic elegance.
With the expert team of Italian artisans, the fine couture craftsmanship lies at the heart of each finished garment of her Neo Opulent SS17 debut collection, featuring generous drapes of lavish fabrics, vintage pale pink silk and crips Louis Blue shantung.
Reimagined men’s tailoring with silk grisaille, the results form a sleek couture tailored look. High-waist trousers, opulent sleeves, full-length skirts with spirals, seams and asymmetry protect the female form, whilst the rich cuts and materials sculpt conscious woman’s silhouette.
“My driving force is the determination to let women know they can do whatever they set their mind into doing. Women are very powerful and any other acknowledgement is wrong. We as women have been told by society that we are the weaker sex, and that we need to be protected but time, history and biological attributes have gone to prove that femininity is strength, that a woman can achieve whatever she puts her mind to and there’s no harm doing so with a bit of elegance and grace.”, says the Lebanese-born designer Layal. 
Her Maison Makarem label’s spirit was born out of Layal’s search for a perfect, versatile outfit that would be elegant and graceful but accessible to wear and buy for the modern woman. Her love for femininity and classic shapes that ultimately define the female form is further inspired by the one particular flower, the peony. This flower, symbolising romance and prosperity plays a significant role in the brand’s identity.
“Flowers bloom beautifully next to each other with no fear of one outshining the other.”, muses the inspiring woman Layal, after her successful debut show. I cannot but agree.
- The Design House of Maison Makarem is a privately owned luxury womenswear label. More information on www.maisonmakarem.com/
