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From cutting newspaper patterns as a child to opening his atelier at eighteen in Beirut, the journey of eponymous fashion brand Elie Saab is inspirational.
From cutting newspaper patterns as a child to opening his atelier at the age of eighteen in Beirut, the journey of eponymous fashion brand Elie Saab is truly entrepreneurial and inspirational.
Born in Damour- a coastal suburb of Beirut- Elie Saab learnt sewing when he was nine and dressed his sister in textiles from their mother's cupboard which he would sew together. In 1981 Saab moved to Paris to pursue a formal education in Fashion but dropped out in a year to return to war-torn Beirut in 1975 to be closer to his family. The following year- at eighteen- the young man launched his eponymous fashion brand and opened his atelier. At that time it specialised in bridal couture handcrafted with expensive fabric- fine lace- hand embroidery- pearls- crystals and silk threads.
In 1997 Elie Saab became the first non-Italian designer to be invited to the National Chamber of Italian Fashion- the governing body for Milan Fashion Week- where he showed his ready-to-wear. Shortly he was invited by Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to showcase in Paris. The following year the fashion brand diversified into ready-to-wear and accessories followed by a collaboration with Beauté Prestige International for fragrance and cosmetics. During the same year he held a fashion show in Monaco with Princess Stéphanie of Monaco in attendance and it quickly became the go-to brand for haute couture.
There was no looking back! In 1999 one of his evening gowns lavishly hand embroidered with emeralds and diamonds was reportedly sold for $2.4 million. Elie Saab became a popular brand in the United States after he became the first Lebanese designer to dress Oscar winner Halle Berry in 2002. Combining Western silhouettes with Middle Eastern aesthetic for ornate embellishment.. Saab's evening-wear earned him accolades and he collaborated with Pronovias to handcraft a bridal line: Elie by Elie Saab. In 2011 Madame Tussaud unveiled a statue of Kate Winslet draped in Elie Saab: a dress she had worn at Primetime Emmy Awards. The same year Elie Saab launched his first fragrance: Le Parfum.
The luxury fashion brand became so popular among the A-list that Kate Middleton wore Elie Saab at the 2019 Royal Ascot with her husband Prince William and Halle Berry wore Elie Saab to the Oscars. Increasingly sought out by celebrities there was no one who didn't want to wear Elie Saab.. from Halle Berry to Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta Jones, Salma Hayek, Sandra Bullock, Princess Claire of Luxembourg, Victoria: Crown Princess of Sweden, Queen Raina of Jordon, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Marie-Chantal: Crown Princess of Greece, Princess Beatrice of York, Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein, Clotilde: Princess of Venice and Piedmont… and the list goes on.
The fashion brand opened boutiques in Beirut, Dubai, Doha, Paris, London, Geneva, Hong Kong, Moscow, New York City and Mexico while the ready-to-wear and fragrance is sold worldwide through stockists. Per Vogue: "The couturier's work is defined by craftsmanship. 'Every dress in the haute couture collection is a piece of art.. a piece of jewellery handed down from one generation to another. It carries emotional and traditional value. It creates stories in every home' he says. ‘I never exaggerate in my designs. I don’t follow fashion.''"
Saab's son- Elie Saab Jr- soon took over the role of brand director. In April 2019 Saab announced his expansion into interior design through a collaboration with real estate development company Emaar to create a gated island property at Emaar Beachfront Dubai that boasts views of the Arabian Sea- The Palm- and Dubai Marina. Sadly Elie Saab's office and headquarters were damaged by the explosion in Beirut and his home was destroyed. Despite this the fashion designer resolutely presented his next collection.
The secret of Elie Saab's star-truffled clientiele and unprecedented success of each of his collections is summed up clearly by Vogue: "Saab's pieces are multi-generational investments with each detail created with precision and intent. ‘Haute couture is an investment’ he agrees. ‘It’s a message the dress gives. It's credibility that the house has developed and goes from one design to another and from one generation to another.' Each dress can take at least three months to craft.. a time where every detail is studied, worked and tweaked to perfection using expertise gained over decades."
Elie Saab’s mission is to design haute couture custom-made dresses that creates an image of unique design, quality and high status for the elite of world., celebrating the art of haute couture with meticulous attention to detail. His designs are driven by a commitment to craftsmanship, incorporating rich fabrics, intricate embellishment, and silhouettes that are sophisticated and glamour. Elie Saab's mission extends beyond aesthetic; he aims to empower and inspire individuals through fashion, offering garments that enhance confidence and self-expression while maintaining a legacy of artisanal excellence and innovative design.
Elie Saab's vision is to bring dreams to life through meticulous craftsmanship, using needle and thread to create fashion that transcends clothing and becomes a work of art. This vision is deeply rooted in the heritage and DNA of the luxury fashion brand, emphasizing the importance of traditional haute couture techniques combined with innovative design. By focusing on impeccable craftsmanship, Saab aims to offer garments that not only embody elegance and luxury but also evoke an emotional connection with those who wear them, transforming their personal style into a reflection of their dreams and aspirations.
Looking ahead, Elie Saab Junior envisions expanding the luxury brand’s reach to encapsulate a comprehensive Elie Saab lifestyle in sync with with the evolving tastes of the next generation of clients. This includes restructuring the company to enhance its global appeal and create a broader range of luxury products and experiences that reflect its core values. By integrating fashion with lifestyle elements, Saab aims to captivate and engage a diverse international audience, establishing a holistic brand experience that extends beyond traditional fashion and into everyday living, thereby solidifying the brand's position in the luxury market.
Elie Saab is celebrated for its haute couture, which showcase the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. His haute couture pieces are meticulously handcrafted, featuring intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite detailing. Each garment is a testament to Saab’s commitment to artistry and precision, designed to make a statement and offer a unique, bespoke experience for clients. This level of craftsmanship extends to his bridal wear, where elaborate gowns are tailored to create timeless elegance and a magical experience for brides on their special day.
In addition to haute couture and bridal wear, Elie Saab produces a sophisticated ready-to-wear collection that brings the brand’s high fashion sensibility to everyday wear. These pieces are designed with the same attention to detail and elegance as the couture collections, offering both style and versatility. The brand also retails shoes, handbags, and jewellery that complement and enhance the overall aesthetic. Elie Saab’s fragrance line captures the essence of the brand’s luxurious image, providing scents that are as refined and captivating as the haute couture.
