If all the world’s a stage, then why not star in your own glamorous cabaret? Fashion designer Naja Saade puts the offer on the table with his Moulin Rouge-inspired Spring-Summer 2023 Couture collection titled “Dans le Rouge.” As equally bold as it is glamorous, the collection’s gowns and matching separates are designed to appeal to anyone with a flair for the dramatic by evoking the Parisian landmark’s world-famous aesthetic.

Courtesy of Naja Saade

“The Moulin Rouge, with its iconic history and unique blend of theatricality, music, and fashion, has been a constant source of inspiration for me,” Saade shared in an interview with GRAZIA. “I wanted to create a couture collection that captures the spirit of the Moulin Rouge, while also showcasing my own unique vision and style.”

The Lebanese designer described feeling arrested by “the elaborate costumes, exquisite fabrics, flamboyant designs, and intricate details of the Moulin Rouge performers’ attire.” Now, his collection dazzles onlookers in a similar fashion with upscale outfits inspired by the cabaret show. “Each piece in the collection is a tribute to the glamour, elegance, and creativity of this iconic Parisian hub,” he shared.

 

Flashy design details, like multicoloured rhinestones and sequins, helped Saade tap into the Moulin Rouge’s extravagant ethos for this collection. During our interview, he cited using “bold and bright colours, such as red and black, which are synonymous with the cabaret’s aesthetic,” to convey the visual identity of the landmark further. “In terms of silhouette,” he added, “I drew my inspiration from the costumes worn by the can-can dancers, as well as the sleek and sensual lines of the burlesque costumes.”

Saade’s silk wedding gown for “Dans le Rouge” is another thrilling example of his aptitude for reimagining classic styles. Here, we see a traditional bridal silhouette revamped with an avant-garde sweetheart bodice that gives way to an expansive and glittering train. Saade skilfully styled this gown with a crystal-embellished headband (that doubles as a tiara) to serve as a–not so subtle–reminder of how details and fantasy are the lifeblood of couture collections.

Before his success on the runway, Saade was a practicing radiologist. He finds this unique background in medicine to be an advantageous one that gave him a competitive edge. “My experience in medicine has instilled in me a level of discipline and attention to detail that is reflected in the quality and craftsmanship of my designs and that is often not found in the artistic world,” said Saade. “Radiology requires an incredible level of focus and precision, which has translated well into my work as a fashion designer,” he added.

Not only has it given him a strong foundation for couture-level detailing, but radiology also gifted Saade a profound comprehension of the human body and the way it moves. The result is an uncanny ability to create art in motion with fashion collections, like “Dans le Rouge.” From the sculptural gowns to the expert tailoring, this collection is an unforgettable spin on cabaret fashion, wherein plumage, sequins, and high glamour are abundant.

Courtesy of Naja Saade

Saade’s ultimate hope for “Dans le Rouge” is that will inspire women to “feel as though they are making a statement about who they are and what they stand for. I want every woman to feel confident, daring, sensual, elegant, and timeless when she wears a piece from this collection.” Whether you’re the life of any social event or prefer to let your statement gowns do the talking, you’re bound to be the centre of attention in any of the exquisite looks.

Explore more of the show-stopping outfits from Naja Saade’s Spring-Summer 2023 Couture collection now in the gallery below.