Elie Saab presented a heavenly couture collection of all-white designs. The emphasis here was on the diversity of shape as opposed to color. There were 46 looks and no two were the same. So many cuts, so many styles, so many emotions — rendered with just one color. Impressive. I think I like the sheer floral looks best, though that coat above is divine!
The absence of color moved attention not only to the silhouettes but also to the intricate detailing. The workmanship behind these dresses is extraordinary. Silk, chiffon, organza and lace were finished with fringed crystals, beading, drifts of fur, sequins, thousands of individual ostrich feathers and so forth. See below for a closer look. Incredible, isn’t it?
As exquisite as each dress was in and of itself, to watch one white dress after another come down the runway felt a bit…repetitive. Especially after Karl Lagerfeld had done this to great effect in his Chanel Haute Couture collection back in January. I missed those richly-colored luxe gowns Elie has shown in the past. I just kept waiting for a little color…
Joana Preiss, Elie Saab and Mélanie Laurent
Stéphane Rolland and Elie Saab
Backstage was not wild like Givenchy or Chanel but brought many well-wishers nonetheless. Elie is really the nicest man, I cannot even tell you. I am always impressed by his genuine warmth. Fellow designer Stéphane Rolland was there to show his support, and I also spotted French actresses Mélanie Laurent and Joana Preiss. When I asked Elie what his inspiration for the all-white collection was, he said, “I chose white because it represents peace in the world, and that’s something we need.”
Elie Saab and Susan
Susan with Mélanie Laurent
Click below to watch my video footage from the show. By day three of Haute Couture my voice was spent! But I think these Elie Saab gowns speak for themselves. Seeing them in motion will give you a whole new perspective.
runway images via style.com; candid photos by Marie Goujon
