Elie Saab’s warrior queens rule

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Jul 5, 2017

Got to hand it to Elie Saab, few people do big occasion couture quite like this Lebanese couturier.

 For those who believe great fashion must have a theatrical element, Saab is their favorite destination. For this fall, he will transport his clients into medieval times. All the beauty of Game of Thrones without any of the blood.
 
Golden thread and cloth of gold everywhere, as Elie spun visions of a gilded era. Gowns delicately brushed with pearls, crystals, hand cut stones and cloth foliage. Made in combinations of velour, silk and jacquard and cut with opulent flourish this was Saab at his most tough romantic, as half his cast marched with rough mini crowns.

And talk about a finale, the ultimate in golden wedding dresses with a train so grand it needed two other models to carry it.
 
To his credit, Saab has built his business in the classical way. Creating a huge fan base in his homeland with couture, before rolling out ready-to-wear and accessories. In the past two years, he’s also opened key flagships, like his boutique beside the Hotel George V. Earlier today; he also launched his latest scent, as his global footprint continues to grow. And he’s won a loyal following among front-row beauties – like Olivia Palermo and Clotilde Courau, who both looked stunning in the front-row of this show, staged in Pavilion Cambon, sparking the mother of all Paris traffic jams.
 
He is a welcome reminder of the beauty of Paris couture week, which inspires designers like Saab to compete on the highest level and helps builds brands, businesses and employment for so many people.