Dear Shaded Viewers,
During Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Lebanese couturier Saiid Kobeisy presented his Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture collection, Passage Privé—a poetic meditation on transformation, heritage, and timeless elegance. Inspired by the refined sophistication of the early twentieth century, the collection unfolds as a journey through movement, cultural exchange, and the evolving nature of identity.
Founded by acclaimed Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy, the eponymous fashion house has gained international recognition for its architectural silhouettes, intricate craftsmanship, and couture artistry.
Since launching his label in 2002, Kobeisy has become synonymous with refined femininity, creating collections that merge Middle Eastern savoir-faire with contemporary luxury. His work is celebrated for its meticulous handwork, sculptural tailoring, and emotional storytelling, establishing him as one of the region’s most distinguished couture designers.
Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Collection: Passage Privé
Some journeys are measured not by distance, but by the moments that transform us along the way. With Passage Privé, Saiid Kobeisy turns couture into a narrative of discovery, celebrating the beauty found in transition and the quiet evolution of identity.
Inspired by the elegance and cultural richness of the early twentieth century, the collection pays tribute to an era defined by exceptional craftsmanship, artistic exchange, and enduring sophistication. Rather than recreating the past, Kobeisy reinterprets it through a contemporary couture lens, allowing history and modernity to coexist in seamless harmony.
The collection unfolds through a delicate palette of ecru, off-white, soft pink, pale green, bronze, and soft blue, evoking a dreamlike sense of nostalgia and refinement. Velvet emerges as the signature fabric, accompanied by double satin, crepe georgette, crepe, metallic French lace, fur, and feathers—each chosen to express the richness, romance, and sophistication of the period.
Every design is enriched with meticulous details and cinematic references. Passementerie traces the silhouettes like elegant pathways, while an elevated trench coat recalls the timeless tailoring and understated sophistication of the era. Kimono sleeves introduce fluid movement, echoing the rhythm of travel and cultural exchange.
Linear Art Deco motifs celebrate the bold geometry and decorative artistry that defined the age, while pixelated embroideries evoke fragmented memories and fleeting impressions, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity. Throughout the collection, fur and feathers appear as refined expressions of craftsmanship, while silhouettes move effortlessly between architectural precision and fluid drapery.
Embellishment shifts from restraint to abundance, reflecting the rhythm of a journey where every passage reveals a new facet of beauty. Tradition and contemporary vision meet with effortless harmony, reinforcing Kobeisy’s ability to translate emotion into couture form.
Beyond the collection itself, Passage Privé also marks an important evolution for the Saiid Kobeisy house. When asked about the legacy he hopes to build for the brand in couture, the designer explained that this new chapter is about redefining its identity while remaining faithful to its DNA.
“We’ve recently gone through a rebranding,” Kobeisy shared. “The goal is to speak more directly to the next generation while preserving the craftsmanship and values that have always defined the house. Couture must continue to evolve, remaining relevant without losing its authenticity.”
“When I begin designing a new collection, I always start with the woman. I want to understand who she is before creating the garment. The design becomes a way of translating her personality into reality.” Rather than designing a garment first, the designer imagines the personality, emotions, and individuality of the woman who will wear it, allowing the couture piece to become an extension of her identity.
When asked to define the purpose of his brand in just three words, Kobeisy answered:
Reveal. Reflect. Rise.
Three words that encapsulate the essence of the house: revealing the unique beauty and confidence of every woman, reflecting her character through exceptional craftsmanship, and empowering her to rise with elegance, strength, and self-expression.
Lately,
Eva
