45 years of creation, dreams and celebration of femininity. To celebrate this anniversary, Elie Saab surrounded himself with the greatest: Carine Roitfeld styling, Blanca Li to the choreography and the superstars Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Camilla Cabello, Nancy Ajram or even Amr Dia who delivered extraordinary performances throughout the parade. On the casting side, the same observation: iconic models likeHelena Christensen, Alek Wek or Eva Herzigová and new faces essential like Amelia Gray. Becoming a veritable source of entertainment, Riyad welcomes its fourth edition of Riyadh Seasona festival initiated in order to open the capital of Saudi Arabia to the world (the Kingdom has considerably relaxed its conservative policy), with the aim of promoting tourism in the kingdom, which has been widely opened to foreign visitors since 2019. As part of this one, Elie Saab presented 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab. Much more than a simple parade, this mega-show, with a name reminiscent The Thousand and One Nightspresented more than 300 silhouettes, new creations as well as certain re-editions of archives celebrating more than 4 decades of creativity and know-how. Among the notable moments in the career ofElie Saab : the Oscar for best actressHalle Berry for his role in In the Shadow of Hate. In 2002 to receive it, she appeared in an Elie Saab dress which she wore again on the evening of November 13 in Riyadh, before coming to take a place in the front row alongside prestigious guests including in particular Monica Bellucci et Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Courtesy of Elie Saab
Elie Saab, dreams and creations between East and West
“I didn’t think of this project alone. It was a lot of things put together that contributed to it. I think I'm extremely lucky to have been able to do this show. It was important for us to show our region, its qualities, its beauty,” confides Elie Saab backstage. In 1982, when he was only 18 years old (and having been creating since he was 15), he founded his sewing workshop in the war-torn city of Beirut and continues to create today in this same worrying climate. . “Corresponding member” of the Upper Trade Union Chamber couture and as such having the protected designation of haute couture for its collections paraded in France, Elie Saab combines East and West through its dazzling and richly decorated creations. The show orchestrated in Riyadh on November 13 was not only a tribute to 45 years of creations, but also the beginning of a new era for the house and the celebration of long-standing friendships.
Courtesy of Elie Saab
Courtesy of Elie Saab
A showcase for these 300 silhouettes with signature embroidery, sequins and airy volumes, the walls of The Venue also welcomed around thirty dancers, through the vision of Blanca Li. “There were several paintings with different themes, I tried to give a singular universe for each painting in the movement and the energy but what was important in this show was that the music, the dance and the creations became a one and the same element. That was the challenge, but also the beauty: seeing it all come together in a fairly natural way. The last painting was very moving. Céline didn't come with her dancers so I offered her a team. I was thinking of something very dynamic. For me with this title I’m Aliveit was really essential to talk about life and the importance of enjoying the present moment. When I proposed the idea to her, she immediately loved it, I was very touched,” declares the choreographer. And what a final painting! Celine Dion performed his songs The Power of Love et I’m Alive time for a grandiose finale, surrounded by dresses worthy of the tales of the Thousand and One Nights before being accompanied by Jennifer Lopez, Camilla Cabello, Nancy Ajram et Elie Saab himself for the final salute. “Saudi Arabia has always had a special place in my heart, being the first place outside of Lebanon where I ventured, found success and initiated new dreams and horizons,” recalls Elie Saab. Once again, the designer's magical fashion has succeeded in transporting us and reminding us that creation knows no limits or borders.
