Crystalline couture

Elie Saab’s autumn–winter 2011–12 haute couture collection, shown at the Théâtre National de Chaillot, literally sparkled on the catwalk, reports Lola Saab
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY ELIE SAAB

WHEN HE FIRST BEGAN SEWING as a child, one might have simply called him talented, but today he is known as an haute couture designer with immense aptitude and flair.

During Paris couture fashion week, Elie Saab revealed his remarkable new season’s collection. The catwalk was filled with glimmer, shimmer and shine. The designer created dresses and gowns that almost seemed as light as feathers, many containing crystals to add a literal spark to a woman’s external beauty.

As a designer, Saab shows his capability to make a woman feel comfortable, special and at ease with the clothes she wears. It is no wonder why a long list of celebrities wear Saab’s marvellous dresses, including Halle Berry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Céline Dion and Angelina Jolie.

On July 6, 2011, Saab’s autumn–winter 2011–12 collection was presented at the Théâtre National de Chaillot, situated minutes away from the eye-catching Tour Eiffel. The atmosphere was rather serene and tranquil; once the show began, the ambiance was rich with a flow of crystals beaming like stars dazzlingly flickering on the beautiful material. The soothing, peaceful and calm atmosphere blended in with each design that walked out.

The dresses and gowns were wonderfully stylish; gorgeous silk chiffon, tulle and striking embroidery beamed on the runway.

The show was simple: make-up was not overly done and hair was slightly pulled away from the face to reveal the eyes, clearly expressing an air of confidence. The styles were chic, some showing a bit of leg with large openings from the hip down.

Each design made a grand entrance; many of the longer dresses illustrated a long and lean physique, while the shorter ones emphasized sophistication with a bit of fun. The colours varied from white as light as snow to dark shades of blue. A spectacular white wedding dress marked the grand finalé.

During the Week, Saab also launched his first new fragrance, entitled Elie Saab Le Parfum. Saab worked with perfumer Francis Kurkdjian to create a highly captivating floral aroma. Kurkdjian also created scents for Lanvin (Rumeur), Jean Paul Gaultier (Ma Dame) and Narciso Rodriguez (for Him and for Her). •

Lola Saab is Paris editor of Lucire.

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