Elie Saab reminded us of his red carpet prowess as he greeted Jennifer Lopez in the front row. The Lebanese master of shape and shine has dressed her “oh, like hundreds of times,” Saab said after the show, and she wanted to support her lifelong friend.
López caused such a commotion when she arrived at the room bathed in ocher light for the collection, titled “Desert Rose,” that she ended up with some photographers being escorted out of the show.
The collection was inspired by the “mystery of Morocco, within the souk and the light of the desert,” Saab said. He stressed that although it is similar, it is different from his native country. “The shapes are not the same and the embroidery is different, but she is a sister,” she said.
Saab looked to the intricate, geometric patterns of the country's architecture. He transposed them into filigree on capes and dresses, with gold weaving its way through the soft colors of the sunset. The perforated metal of the Moroccan interior design and lighting also played on the bodices and with graphic lines and floral inlays.
Where she deviated from symmetry with a one-shouldered wrap cape that rolled from shoulder to wrist, she added a refreshing air of volume, and an extended bat cape created melancholic drama as the model stepped out.
It all resulted in great photos, which is why it's a celebrity favorite for its red carpet dresses. But do they sell? The CEO of the Elie Saab Group, Elie Saab Jr., insisted as much.
“Haute couture is not just a tool for us. It is not just an image creator as it is perhaps for other brands,” said Saab Jr. “For us it is the core of our DNA and it is an important part of our business. Of course, it has limitations in terms of growth and expansion because the clientele is very particular, but it is still an important line of business.”
Saab just signed a deal last week with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host a fashion show and immersive experience there during its annual Riyadh Seasons festival, which will take place in October. This follows the opening of its flagship there last May.
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