These Red Carpet Dress Predictions Will Straight Up Shock You

Couture designer Zuhair Murad has had quite a red carpet showing in the past few years — he's created a low-cut sparkler for Jennifer Lopez, dressed Taylor Swift in a metallic blue mini, and given Kate Beckinsale one of the most wow-worthy gowns of this year's Golden Globes. He knows his clientele as well as he knows his craft, too: choice tidbits about Kristen Stewart, who he's dressed before, include "her attitude is so raw and unassuming, which contrasts with her timeless and classic beauty."

With the year's biggest award shows hovering on the horizon, we chatted with him again and were surprised to see what gowns he'd recommended for some of the stars he's worked with. But first . . .

On the red carpet trends we can expect this year: "This season we are definitely going to see embellishments but used in a way that we haven't seen before. Rather than complementing a bodice, we'll see embellishments becoming a more integral part of the gown — encrusting sheer panels or leading the central design. That being said, I think silhouettes will be less about volume and more about emphasizing the natural shape of a woman's body."

On pieces being created with award shows in mind: "[They're] not necessarily. As a ready-to-wear and couture designer, my collections each season begin with a fantasy or a dream. The red carpet is a place where fashion transcends reality."

On working with a celeb to alter an existing design: "Of course [it happens]! Fit is the most important characteristic of my pieces. A dress should feel like a second skin — I know it may sound trite, but one should always wear the dress, not the other way around! I'm always happy to work with my clients to make them feel comfortable. After all, comfort in one's own skin is the key ingredient to confidence."

Photos courtesy of Zuhair Murad

On Kerry Washington

On Kerry Washington

"Kerry Washington has certainly come into her own this year, on and off the screen, and her enthusiasm for fashion certainly hasn't gone unnoticed. It's always thrilling to work with a celebrity who isn't just excited about fashion, but cognizant of the process as well. She knows what works for her body and what doesn't, so it becomes more of a collaborative process, which can result in something truly inspired.

"I think this season we'll see her pushing the fashion envelope. I'd love to see her in one of my favorite looks from my Fall 2014 Couture show. This emerald jewel-encrusted and sheer-paneled gown will not only lengthen Kerry's petite figure but accentuate her gorgeous curves and highlight her beautiful neckline."

From Zuhair Murad Couture Fall 2013

Photo courtesy of Zuhair Murad

On Sofia Vergara

On Sofia Vergara

"Sofia definitely takes pride in her figure — and can you blame her? I believe her signature shape is flawless and there are certainly ways to embrace shape without adhering to the same body-skimming silhouettes and daring necklines. For instance, I'd love to see her in a look similar to one of my favorite Spring 2014 ready-to-wear looks. The scarlet jumpsuit accentuates the high waist and has a tapered pant that gives the same hourglass illusion."

From Zuhair Murad Spring 2014

Photo courtesy of Zuhair Murad

On Taylor Swift

On Taylor Swift

"I absolutely love working with Taylor, mostly because she's so driven. She's very much in control of her look and loves to experiment with different types of fashion. She gravitates towards pieces that speak to the person she wants to be, romantic à la Greta Garbo, seductive like Gisele, or a Hepburn-esque innocence. It's fascinating how much of a chameleon she can be while still embracing her own personal style."

From Zuhair Murad Couture Fall 2013

Photo courtesy of Zuhair Murad

On Katy Perry

On Katy Perry

"Despite Katy Perry's penchant for a good surprise, there is a romantic air of Old Hollywood glamour in her look. As her style evolves, I think she will gravitate towards choices that exude a more sultry sophistication. She certainly has a very defined personal style, but in 2014, I believe we'll see a return to classic, timeless silhouettes."

From Zuhair Murad Spring 2014

Photo courtesy of Zuhair Murad