AUGUST 2024

Sinead McKeefry, Celebrity Stylist, reviews Nadine Merabi

When NADINE MERABI asked me to write a piece about the New Season collection I was thrilled. Not only because (as any of you who know my styling will know) I am a huge fan of the brand, I was also super excited to see what was to be revealed for this coming season.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

I was looking forward to seeing more versions of the brand’s wonderful suiting, jumpsuits and signature silhouettes. Nadine has such a wonderful understanding of structure and form, and she has been very loyal to this over the seasons. So, when I discovered she was launching an exclusive Bouclé collection as part of their New Season collection I jumped for joy! This couldn’t be a more perfect partnership. The classic Bouclé-Tweed fabric and Nadine’s aesthetic are a match made in heaven.

"PERFECT ON SO MANY LEVELS"

The concept was perfect on so many levels. Bouclé is a fabric created in France, and the beauty of it is the technique of making the fabric and the structure hasn’t changed; but by using different yarns you can create heavy or lighter-weight fabrics. Essentially, it’s textured woven fabric. One of its earliest uses was to upholster furniture given its durable quality in the early 1950s. And I’d say this is what gave the fabric such cult status. This genius material then made its way to the Fashion houses of Paris and from there Coco Chanel fell in love with the fabric and became Bouclé’s biggest fan.

We all recognise the timeless, iconic, Bouclé-filled collections from Chanel. From the heavyweight black classics to the playful pastels, this fabric has such versatility and always looks so chic against the backdrop of Paris.

It only seemed fitting that Nadine chose Paris to showcase A/W ‘24 and that she herself wore the pieces. The perfect muse for her own collection.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

There are three new chic styles in the NADINE MERABI Bouclé-Tweed collection. Each have their own name, and each are made with an exclusive, super soft Bouclé-Tweed fabric which of course has a Merabi sparkle running through. This couldn’t be more perfect. Fans of the brand will already know that sparkle is a big theme; the ‘cult’ Kira suit from previous seasons is a firm favourite of mine which has such a magical sparkle unlike any other I’ve seen. It makes total sense the Bouclé-Tweed fabric created for Nadine has a sparkly element to it - and this is where the fun begins!

1

Simone, Penelope and Natalie are three super chic dresses. Each has their own character with the literal thread running through the three being lurex which takes us to a playful place.

THE SIMONE DRESS

I adore the Simone dress. It is standalone perfection. The high neckline is so flattering, and the pearl detail looks stunning against both colour ways. I love it in the ivory, it’s so youthful fun and sexy, it almost needs no styling.

Then I see in it in the black and I can’t decide which colour way I love more! The black could also standalone and has that wonderful classic Jackie Kennedy inspiration but I also see it being very vampy and punk, styled with sheer black lace tights, the sharpest black stiletto heel and black leather or latex gloves covering the whole arm which would look cool with that ever-so-cute sleeve.

SHOP SIMONE

THE PENELOPE DRESS

The Penelope is quite possibly my favourite. It really is something. The fabric couldn’t be more suited to this shape dress. Penelope is divine. Another dress that does all the work for you. The pearl neckline is just one of the many gorgeous features, then you have the structure of the bodice and the fishtail skirt. It’s a real showstopper. The Bouclé-Tweed fabric makes this super sophisticated and sexy all at once and shows us why pearls and Bouclé are best friends. There is a lovely sense of nostalgia which I am loving from the collection. Think back to the whirlwind of the 90’s supermodels all dressed in Chanel Bouclé: the ultimate sign of luxury.

I can see why the appeal of this dress would be vast. It would be such a solid piece to have in your wardrobe. It could be worn for an evening event in a classic way with killer heels and a wrist full of pearls, yet I also see it styled in a more contemporary way with a vintage denim jacket over the shoulders and layers upon layers of necklaces in various lengths, from lace chokers to long strings of pearls, creating a more directional look.

SHOP PENELOPE

THE NATALIE DRESS

And then there is Natalie. The fabric lends itself so well to this silhouette. I love the confidence this dress exudes. The structure of the shoulder and the detail of the neckline are timeless, sexy, elegant and oh-so chic. The longer length sleeve with the shorter length skirt I always think is such a cool look. Like the Simone, it has super cute pearl detail pockets (non-working) and the best bit: the actual real pockets! There really is no better feature in a dress.

I think this is the most versatile of the three in that there are multiple ways to style this piece. I love the Ivory again because it feels so playful, and I’d love to see it with a simple white heel and pearl earrings. Again, the dress is doing so much of the work, it’s joyful to see it in its purest form. I also envision it with white opaque tights and white PVC pointed ankle boots. I love styling with tones; I feel like it gives a real edge, and always looks very considered.

Another great look is the ivory paired with sheer pearl embellished black tights, and killer heels in white, with oversized pearl earrings to bring a real opulent element to the look. This dress really has endless possibilities. The perfect addition to any wardrobe (in both colour ways!).

SHOP NATALIE

Simone, Penelope and Natalie are all great investment pieces. They’ll live in your wardrobe forever and there are endless ways to style them. They are modern classics that can be passed through generations and will stand the test of time. I can’t wait to see them all in action.


Sinead xx