Elie Saab reveals plans for a mega show in Riyadh

Lebanese couturier Elie Saab has revealed his plans for a mega show during the Riyadh season, a major series of cultural and entertainment events including sports, music, film and fashion to be held in the Saudi capital.

It is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. at The Venue, a new multifunctional space for concerts and exhibitions an hour's drive from the center of Riyadh. The venue recently hosted this year's 6 Kings Slam, a tennis tournament that included Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, and was won by Jannik Sinner.

Titled 'The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab', it will be a 90-minute event centered on a haute couture show combined with the premiere of a Hollywood film, all infused with the essence of Riyadh. Saab promises that the show will present a completely new collection, designed exclusively for this event, to celebrate its remarkable 45-year career.

“Inspired by The Arabian Nights, the collection will reinterpret the classic tales through a modern and luxurious lens,” Elie explained in a statement.

Adding a touch of creativity, super stylist and former French Vogue editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld will style the show to add “a contemporary style to the presentation, complementing Saab's timeless elegance.”

Once known as the high priestess of Porno Chic, Roitfeld's style will mark a significant step away from the staid aesthetic of Saudi fashion.

In another avant-garde move, Saab has called on Blanca Li, a dancer and choreographer born in Spain, influenced by hip hop and based in Paris, to put on a performance aimed at combining movement, music and haute couture in a harmonious way.

The evening will begin with an arrival on the red carpet, followed by this exceptional fashion show, divided into several scenes. These will be punctuated by a series of live international performances. There are no names so far, although Elie predicts “a phenomenal surprise, as big as possible.”

Stay tuned.