By Iris Edén Santiago
Special to The Star
I’ve said it before. And I’ll say it again. Elie Saab is a never-ending source of fabulosity. Stunning. Mesmerizing. No amount of words will ever do justice to this man’s love affair with perfection.
His attention to detail and the way he thinks, creates and reinvents silhouettes is unique. Utilizing beads, crystals, pearls and of course the best and most exquisite textiles, the masterful designer takes you places. His Spring Summer 2023 Haute Couture collection, presented during Paris Fashion Week, is inspired by the splendor of the kingdom of Thailand.
To say his creations are sophisticated, regal, majestic and jaw-dropping gorgeous is nothing new. The Lebanese couturier has been delivering stunning evening gowns, bridal gowns and caftans for 40 years. Season after season. Always. It just is.
From the 69 couture gowns he presented this week, we especially liked the first group in tones of taupe, ivory, caramel and ecru. We loved the metallic piping around strategic cutouts, the asymmetrical bodices and the halter tops with supersize pussy bows. In fact, large pussy bows were seen in sheaths, columns and ball gowns. Also in formal attire for men.
“We used a lot of fabric in the collection. Satin is very present and personally, light fabric like tulle and lace that give volume and character to the dresses,” according to the Lebanese Maison.
Saab added green, aqua, rose and cerulean blue to the color palette. Draped embroideries and subtle transparencies add sensuality to the feminine creations. Some dresses were modeled with opera coats and luxurious capes embellished with Asian appliques and images like the naga dragon, crystal rose lotus flowers, and koi fish.
With evening gowns as unforgettable as these, it comes as no surprise that best dressed women all over the globe wear his label. Among his clients, Queen Rania of Jordan, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren, Priyanka Chopra and Jennifer López.
Elie Saab established his brand in the early 1980s. He started out designing bridal couture. Saab is the first Lebanese to be admitted to the fashion industry’s governing body, Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.