Gemy Maalouf vs Zuhair Murad: How the Two Lebanese Houses Compare

Gemy Maalouf and Zuhair Murad are both Lebanese evening houses with roots in Beirut, and both dress brides and black-tie guests across the Gulf, Europe and the US. The short answer: Zuhair Murad is the higher-priced red-carpet name with a Paris couture presence; Gemy Maalouf costs less, cuts a little closer and offers a wider run of sizes and separates. On Coveti the median Gemy Maalouf dress is $3,810 against $5,454 for Zuhair Murad.

Side by side

Style

Zuhair Murad is known for sheer, heavily embroidered tulle and crystal beading, the look that dominates red carpets. Gemy Maalouf is more architectural this season: corseted hips, feathered shoulders and fur boleros, as in the Gemy Maalouf Corseted Sculptural Hip Dress in Black and Gemy Maalouf Feathered Shoulder Hip-Panel Dress in Beige. Gemy also does what Zuhair Murad rarely does at this level: matching evening separates, such as the Gemy Maalouf Sheer Lace Feather-Trim Top in Black with the Gemy Maalouf Lace Cage Midi Skirt in Black.

Price

For a floor-length embellished gown, expect roughly $4,000 to $7,000 at Gemy Maalouf and $5,000 to $8,000 at Zuhair Murad on Coveti. Gemy’s Edition line goes lower still: the Gemy Maalouf Beaded Waist Dress in Blue is $3,540. See our Gemy Maalouf price guide and Edition guide.

Which to choose

Choose Zuhair Murad for a sheer, crystal-heavy gown for a red carpet and a wedding where you want maximum sparkle. Choose Gemy Maalouf for sculptural shapes, a fuller size range and a lower price, and when you want separates you can wear again. Both are on Coveti: shop Gemy Maalouf and Zuhair Murad. We have also compared Gemy Maalouf with Elie Saab, and listed more Lebanese designers.

Bridal

Both houses run bridal collections. Zuhair Murad bridal is sheer embroidered tulle with long trains; Gemy Maalouf bridal leans on structured satin, guipure and embroidered lace, and is covered in our Gemy Maalouf bridal guide. For guests, Gemy’s covered-arm and cape styles suit conservative dress codes in the Gulf, where both brands have strong followings; see Gemy Maalouf in Dubai.

Fit

Gemy Maalouf cuts close at the bust and waist and makes every style in US 2 to 20. Zuhair Murad sizing varies by style, so check each listing. If you are between sizes, Gemy Maalouf’s made-to-order run gives you the widest choice; check our size guide.

Separates and wearability

This season Gemy Maalouf offers peplum tops, sequined skirts, trousers, a fur gilet and boleros alongside gowns; see the evening sets guide. That makes the house better value per wear: the Gemy Maalouf Square-Neck Peplum Top in Olive and Gemy Maalouf High-Waisted Sculpted Trousers in Olive go together for a party and apart for a dinner.

Other Lebanese houses to compare

Elie Saab, founded in Beirut in 1982, sits above both on price; Tony Ward is closest to Zuhair Murad in its embroidery. See our brands like Gemy Maalouf list for the full comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gemy Maalouf cheaper than Zuhair Murad?

Yes, on average. The median dress on Coveti is $3,810 for Gemy Maalouf and $5,454 for Zuhair Murad.

Are Gemy Maalouf and Zuhair Murad both Lebanese?

Yes. Gemy Maalouf was founded in Beirut in 1996; Zuhair Murad launched his label in Beirut in 1995 and shows couture in Paris.

Which is better for a wedding guest dress?

Zuhair Murad for sheer, crystal-heavy gowns; Gemy Maalouf for structured shapes, covered-arm options and a lower price.

Does Coveti sell both brands?

Yes. Coveti carries more than 590 Gemy Maalouf styles and 216 Zuhair Murad styles, shipped worldwide.

Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor, Coveti