The self-taught fashion sensation, Elie Saab was born in Lebanon in 1964. He began his journey into the fashion world at the young age of 9, making dressing for his sisters. From there, the creative young boy turned business-savvy when he started selling his creations to women throughout the neighborhood. Today Elie’s main workshop is still in Lebanon with additional workshops in Milan and Paris.
Praised as a red carpet and Haute Couture Designer, Elie Saab opened his bridal salon in early 2016 within his Paris flagship store, dedicated to wedding gowns and ultimately escorted in a new era of bridal fashion. Known for his breathtaking finale bridal gown during his Haute Couture fashion show in Paris and Milan and his latest designs for royal brides, we have anticipated his entrance into the bridal fashion world for some time. With its celebrity luxury and haute couture-like ambience, the sleek and stylish salon is designed as a far more elevated than usual shopping experience and will make any bride-to-be feel like a VIP. However, if appointments in Paris are not an option, the dresses will feel just as true to the sumptuous Saab spirit in his self-selected bridal salons around the globe. The solid Fall 2017 collection of 10 styles will speak to several personality types.
Elie Saab isn’t afraid of grandeur; naturally, neither are his brides. Focused on a range of modern lace and chiffon gowns to suit diverse brides and occasions, Saab’s silhouettes range from the entry-level, purist, Empire-waist chiffon gowns to a shapely ivory guipure gown with a pooling train. His flared open sleeves and sensual cutout details at the back or the more classic princess styles with delicate thread embroidery on the bodice have made him a favorite of discerning brides. Even the line’s showstopper had a lightness to it, pairing a crystal-embroidered tulle and lace bodice with a dramatic textured but light petal tulle skirt. The heart of an Elie Saab gown is in the handwork reinforcing Saab’s more-is-more aesthetic.
A complete and stylized look is synonymous with the vision of Elie Saab’s silhouettes. Accessories also play a role in a complete look for his brides with veils, coordinating headbands, and clutches—including one made from snow white mink. The designer also offered four shoe styles, among them a bow-accented and lace peep-toe shoe. The unifying element to the collection was the attention to detail: From the artfully placed plumes on the feather bolero to the intricate beadwork on a tulle peasant blouse overshirt, the stylish Elie Saab bride will be ready for her close-up on her wedding day.