Highlights from Elie Saab “1001 Seasons”

Just when you thought Elie Saab couldn’t get more glamorous, the designer celebrated his 45th year at the fashion house with an out-of-this-world fashion show. This prestigious event was part of Riyadh Season 2024 in Saudi Arabia last week.

This wasn’t your typical fashion show, this was a spectacular event with supermodels and pop stars on stage, and A-list stars attending to celebrate Elie Saab’s creativity. There were over 900 guests attending and 90 models walking in the show.

The genius designer showcased 300 one-of-a-kind looks on the runway, along with unique designs for each performer. Artists like Celine Dion, Camilla Cabello, Jeniffer Lopez and Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram set the tone with their impressive performances.

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Elie Saab’s Journey to Success

Elie Saab is a talented designer who makes elegant, dazzling designs for women. “I think working in fashion was more my destiny than anything else,” he shares. Saab was born in Lebanon in 1964 and since childhood he has been determined to enter the fashion industry. When he was only 9 years old he would make clothes from fabric scraps around the house.

He got his start designing bridal gowns and at the age of 18 he opened his first couture atelier in his hometown, Beirut, Lebanon where he managed 12 employees. There were no models in Lebanon at that time so he asked students and young professionals to model his clothes. While growing his brand, Saab created intricate gowns that had Eastern embellishment with Western silhouettes.

In 1997 Saab was invited to Rome as the sole non-Italian designer to attend the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. One year later, he opened a ready-to-wear boutique in Milan and held a fashion show that was attended by Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

In 2000, the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture invited Saab to showcase his designs in Paris. In 2006 he became the first Arab to be called a membre correspon­dant of the organisation.

1001 Seasons of Elie Saab Notable Names

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Halle Berry’s Oscars Dress

One major surprise at the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” show (along with the secret that Celine Dion would be performing) was that Halle Berry made an appearance. She had the stage all to herself wearing her iconic burgundy Elie Saab dress from the 2002 Oscars when she became the first black woman to win best actress for her performance in Monster’s Ball. Halle Berry astonishingly wore the same exact dress without any alterations for the show.

When she moved up the catwalk it was clear that Berry was getting emotional. In some way she could relive the special moment she had 22 years ago, as well as coming such a long way with Mister Saab. “There are some moments in life that just happen and they change our lives forever! Winning an Academy Award in my Elie Saab gown was one of those moments for me,” she wrote on Instagram.

Celine Dion

In the red carpet interviews many influencers and celebrities were overly excited and spilled the secret that Celine Dion would be performing at the show. Celine Dion has only performed one other time since 2020 and it was for the Olympic Opening Ceremony in July 2024.

The singer made an appearance on the red carpet in a stunning flowy Elie Saab gown. The dress was draped on the floor and had voluminousvolumous shoulders that resembled the shape of flowers. The dress was beautifully feminine and elegant, like all of Saab’s designs. Toward the 2nd half of the show, Celine came out in a gold sequined cape dress to perform “The Power of Love” and “I’m Alive.” The crowd went wild to see her sing live and it was a legendary affair.

Four of Our Favourite Runway Looks

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1. Candice Swanepoel

The South African supermodel came out in her first look and gave the ultimate goddess energy. With white, gold and pearly accents, the dress was shimmering in the spotlight. The dress suited her perfectly with her light complexion and golden locks.

2. Anne V

Model Anne V walked in the first half of the show, wearing a gorgeously embellished gown. The dress had Arabian influences like heavy embroidery and a transparent embellished cloak. The details on this look were incredible and truly shows the skill and craftsmanship of the Elie Saab team.

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3. Adriana Lima

The Brazilian supermodel walked out in a stunning black beaded dress. The gown was crafted beautifully, using hundreds of tiny black beads to create a fringe-like effect. The dress was glamorous and sexy with a 20’s flare.

4. Jadi Wegener

Jadi wore a gown that captured the essence of flowers and femininity. The volume of softly layered fabrics created the ultimate flowy dress. And on top of the aesthetics — it looks super comfortable to wear!

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From Hardship to the Stage

Elie Saab stated that, although they are commemorating the past 45 years of the brand, he wanted to “usher in fresh years, marked by a pivotal moment laden with hope.” This show was in the making for over a year, “I worked on this collection as Lebanon and Beirut were under bombardment,” he stated. “Elie Saab’s celebration at Riyadh Season is a culmination of generations of fashion, rooted in traditions that preceded me, and which I have had the privilege of reinvigorating and evolving. The event captured vast expanses of creativity drawn from the essence of Arab culture and its golden years of intellect and innovation, now showcased to the world through this magnificent event,.” Saab added.