Writer: Annabelle Aree Lee
Editor: Leah Gilbert
One of my favorite aspects of Paris Fashion Week—and fashion weeks in general—is the opportunity it provides to discover new designers.. Last year, I came across the label Miss Sohee by Sohee Parkand even wrote a blog post about her. Since then, I’ve been following her on social media and keeping up with her work! Through this year’s Paris Fashion Week, I discovered Elie Saab.
Elie Saab is a Lebanese designer who made a name for himself by launching his brand in 1982, at just 18 years old . He is known for his luxurious gowns, which blend Western silhouettes with Eastern influences. This unique cultural fusion is what sets him apart and what initially caught my eye. His designs are highly sought after by Middle Eastern royalty—Queen Rania of Jordan, for instance, wore one of his creations to her coronation in 1999—as well as global celebrities like Beyoncé, Priyanka Chopra, and Celine Dion.
Elie Saab is a Lebanese designer who made a name for himself by launching his brand in 1982, at just 18 years old . He is known for his luxurious gowns, which blend Western silhouettes with Eastern influences. This unique cultural fusion is what sets him apart and what initially caught my eye. His designs are highly sought after by Middle Eastern royalty—Queen Rania of Jordan, for instance, wore one of his creations to her coronation in 1999—as well as global celebrities like Beyoncé, Priyanka Chopra, and Celine Dion.
A week ago, at Paris Fashion Week, Elie Saab presented his Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Portrait of a Dream, at the museum Palais de Tokyo. According to the Elie Saab website, the collection is “inspired by the romantic radiance of an Impressionist garden, each look in this ethereal collection is designed to be one brushstroke in a harmonious whole.” I believe this collection truly embodies that inspiration, particularly the metaphor of the brushstrokes, as every intricate detail enhances the overall composition of each gown while the gowns harmoniously complement the cohesion of the entire collection. Here are some of the most memorable pieces from the collection that stood out to me.
These three gowns were my favorite pieces from the collection. I’ve always been drawn to ultra-feminine designs that highlight delicacy.These dresses also perfectly capture the Impressionist garden inspiration for the collection. I love the intricate floral appliqués on the blue and pink dresses pictured above. I think they add a sense of movement and depth to the looks as the models walk the runway. The beading on the green and pink dress also stands out, creating a beautiful texture that enhances its elegance.
In these pieces—and several others—I found it fascinating that Elie Saab incorporated denim into his Haute Couture collection. Denim is rarely used in this realm of fashion, making this a bold and unexpected choice by Saab. In doing further research on Saab’s past designs, this is the first time Elie Saab has incorporated denim into his Haute Couture designs. I’m really curious about what drew him to this design decision. I also wonder how Elie Saab’s clients will style these denim pieces—I can’t quite picture it yet. The fabric looks a bit heavy for the summer months, so perhaps it’s better suited for spring, when the occasion allows for a balance between the casual nature of denim and the luxurious, high-fashion silhouettes of these gowns.
If you’d like to see these pieces firsthand, you can request a private viewing online or book an in-person appointment through the brand’s website. It’s definitely an exclusive experience, adding to the Saab’s luxurious allure. Whether worn by royalty, celebrities, or those fortunate enough to experience his creations firsthand, Elie Saab’s designs embody a sense of sophistication and grandeur that not many designers have achieved.
References
- https://www.businessoffashion.com/people/elie-saab/
- https://www.coastreporter.net/fashion-news/elie-saabs-couture-escapism-finds-a-new-edge-in-paris-10147551
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/elie-saab-introduces-denim-to-haute-couture-collection/ar-AA1ypx81
- https://luxferity.com/brand/elie-saab/news/elie-saab-present-new-haute-couture-spring-summer-2025-collection-portrait-dream#google_vignette
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/elie-saab-introduces-denim-to-haute-couture-collection/ar-AA1ypx81
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