Elie Saab: From Beirut Beginnings to Red Carpet Royalty

Red-Carpet Royalty in Every Stitch

In a world where fashion is fleeting, Elie Saab stands as a testament to timeless elegance. Born in Beirut on July 4, 1964, Saab began sewing gowns for family at just six years old. It wasn’t until 1982—after a formative trip to Paris—that he opened his atelier in Beirut, specializing in exquisite evening and bridal wear. By the 1980s, his signature fabric choices—lustrous lace, delicate embroidery, silk threads, pearls, and crystals—had already caught the attention of royalty and socialites across the Middle East.

The Rise of Elie Saab: Couture Meets Celebrity

Fast forward to today, and Elie Saab is synonymous with red-carpet glamour. His Fall/Winter 2025 haute couture collection, titled "The New Court," beautifully revisits 19th-century romance with lavish velvets, floral appliqués, jewel-adorned chokers, and

 flowing macaroon-hued fabrics—all staged under gilded staircases with harpsichord music in Paris. It’s a masterclass in dreamy storytelling: a sumptuous playground for the modern queen who writes her own rules.

Red Carpet Magic Reimagined for Modern Royalty

Few designers can claim the kind of instant icon status that Elie Saab earned when Halle Berry stepped onto the Oscars stage in 2002 wearing his sheer, embroidered burgundy net gown. The dress immediately became legendary—voted among the greatest in red-carpet history and later displayed at the Academy Museum.  In 2024, Berry even re-wore that gown at “The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” anniversary gala in Riyadh—an emotional reminder of the designer’s enduring influence.

Elie Saab: Crafting Fantasies That Last

At that 2024 celebration in Riyadh, dubbed “The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” 90 models paraded 300 breathtaking looks—from feather-draped gowns to archival revivals—under the glow of Jennifer Lopez and Céline Dion’s performances.  It was not only a display of couture brilliance but also a reaffirmation of Saab's resilience; the show unfolded despite dire conditions in his Beirut atelier, embodying hope and artistic perseverance.

Couture that Echoes Romance and Craftsmanship

Back in Paris, Saab’s latest fall haute couture show revisited the emotional depth of his creations. Models glided down marble-flanked steps in gowns embroidered with floral motifs and equipped with cascading trains that enveloped the body like luxurious cages. Rich textures blended with pastel and imperial tones—rose, mint, gold, and black—creating a romantic vibrancy that stays with you long after the final bow.

A Legacy Woven with Elegance and Grace

Elie Saab’s approach is not about trend-chasing—it’s about mastering the art of fantasy. His consistent dedication to craftsmanship, romantic storytelling, and controlled opulence makes his gowns perennial favorites among Hollywood’s elite—Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé, Diane Kruger, Marion Cotillard, and more have all graced major events in his creations. Whether in modern fashion capitals or global celebrations, Saab’s work transcends seasons and status.

Final Thoughts

Elie Saab’s journey—from a young dreamer in Beirut to the red-carpet legend he is today—is rooted in storytelling, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering elegance. Each gown he creates is a fairy tale brought to life, placed center stage at the world’s most glamorous ceremonies and immortalized in fashion history.