The Elie Saab Allure at Cannes 2014

Cannes Film Festival 2014

Elie Saab Red Carpet Dresses

It goes without saying that Elie Saab is one of the most favored and admired couturiers in the world and where better to showcase his unprecedented talent than at the Cannes Film Festival. This year, the Lebanese designer dressed a host of supermodels and actresses in some of his finest evening wear from his current and former couture collections.

Alessandra Ambrosio looked stunning in an avocado green silk chiffon draped gown with lace detailed corset and a ribboned belt from Elie Saab's SS11 Couture collection. Coral Chopard jewels complete her look.

Jessica Chastain floated in a lavender blue gossamer silk gown with slitted skirt, a leather belted waist and asymmetrical shoulder with trailing scarf.

Adriana Lima had jaws dropping at the sight of her sultry ivory Elie Saab SS11 couture gown, featuring a draped skirt, ruffled sweetheart strapless neckline and a glittering Chopard diamond necklace and earrings.

Veteren model Eva Herzigova portrayed light and beauty in this wispy lemon chiffon strapless gown with high slit from Elie Saab's Spring 2010 couture collection.

Brazilian model Izabel Goulart was captivating at the Cannes Grisogono Party in a salmon pink Elie Saab SS14 RTW gown with sheer lace long-sleeved bodice and slitted skirt.

Liu Wen was beguiling in an aquamint billowing strapless dress with flower ruffled motif on the bodice and thigh-high slit, which is from Elie Saab's Spring 2010 archive.

Dominican model Arlenis Sosa made an outstanding Cannes debut in this vanilla one-strap lace paneled dress from Saab's Spring 2011 couture range. A dazzling display of Chopard rubies adorn her neck.

Eva Green complimented the red carpet in a ravishing wine shaded chiffon gown with sheer fluttery sleeves, embellished bodice and sweeping skirt. Her dark brunette waves and red lips beautifully enhance this outfit.

Petra Nemcova was a blushing beauty in a dusty rose silk gown with extreme high slit, tulip draped skirt and lace enriched bodice.

Bollywood fashion maven Sonam Kapoor was gloriously dressed in a fluid sky blue silk pleated Elie Saab Spring 2014 gown with geometric neckline, fitted waist and cascading waterfall skirt.

Sonam Kapoor turned heads in this spellbinding black couture gown, swirled with floral beadwork and fitted bodice that blooms into a capacious ballroom skirt. This dramatic art piece is from Elie Saab's Spring 2014 collection.

Which is Your Favourite Elie Saab Look from Cannes 2014 so far?

Elie Saab Spring/Summer Couture 2014

Whilst seasons change and trends fade, there's one thing that remains steadfast in world of couture, and that is the euphoric sensation of a collection by Elie Saab. And this season, the celebrated designer does no less than thrill and intoxicate with a range of exquisite gowns, each worthy of their own Oscar.

For his Spring/Summer 2014 Couture presentation, Elie Saab takes us on a romantic journey of tea rose and snow white dresses that are lightly caressed with a beaded flower bed of organza appliqués. Plisse pleated gowns in waves of sashaying chiffon and silk gazar proceed to enrapture our glares, ranging from a lush raspberry to green-tinged gold, lilac and violet. Delicate embroidered lace and tulle contribute to the ethereal grace of the collection. 

Saab knows how to accentuate the beauty of the female form with narrow belted waistlines, side pockets and body-skimming skirts. Astronomically sized ballroom skirts brought on dramatic effect, painted in watercolour florals, dip-dyed in smokey flames and others singed in black. The showstopper finale set many hearts a flutter with a dreamy flower-ornamented wedding dress in imperial ivory.

This is the scintillating Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection by Elie Saab.

1.

2.

3.

4.

 

5.

6.

 7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

What do you think of Elie Saab's Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection?

Elie by Elie Saab Bridal Spring 2013

The new year also means weddings bells for some and with so many beautiful gowns on the market, how does one find inspiration? Well...to make sourcing your dream wedding dress a little easier, Elie Saab has designed a breathtaking Spring 2013 bridal collection for Spanish brand Pronovias. Saab brings his expert touch and lavish embellishings to the exquisite range, creating immaculate ivory and white gowns that bridal dreams are made of.

He whirls together organza, tulle, delicate beaded lace and floral appliqués, spinning romantic princess dresses into reality. For Spring 2013, brides have an option of an off-the shoulder empire line design with three-quarter sleeves and grosgrain waistbands. Sheer beaded bodices with cap-sleeves and sizeable ballroom skirts are another a way to make a grand entrance. A dress from this palatial range will probably cost more than the entire wedding itself...so for now all we can do is just bask in these pictures of bridal beauty.

If you are planning a wedding this year, I hope these gowns will inspire you find your own dream dress. You can view more of the collection on Pronovias.com. My favourites are Monet and Monceau. Which of these Elie Saab gowns would suit your bridal style?


*P.S. This post is dedicated to the lovely Meg from Second Floor Living, who is planning her wedding this year and searching for the perfect dress.

Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 3

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2012-2013
Part Three

My coverage of Paris Couture Week comes to a close with a focus on the exquisite collections of Lebanese designers. We are all familiar with Beirut's most famous import, Elie Saab, but there are few more notable couturiers that deserve their space in the style spotlight. What I love about the Lebanese designers is their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite hand-beading, intricate attention to every detail, and their ability to bring princess perfect gowns to life with in a way that is delicate, elegant and utterly feminine. Click on the pictures to zoom in.

Elie Saab

The master of couture has served up another triumphant collection, possibly even more beautiful than the ones before. The silhouettes were graceful, accented at the waist with bateau necklines and lengths from midway to maxi. A vigorous splash of peach and teal added colour to the range of black, gold and taupe Imperial-inspired evening wear. Breathtaking gowns were contrived from lusciously beaded lace, silk crepe and brocade, drizzled with the opulence of a Byzantine empress.

Georges Chakra

The Lebanese designer celebrates 25 years in the fashion industry with a ritzy Fall Couture collection tinted in crimson red, midnight blue, rays of violet, black and lustrous gold. The hourglass figure is accentuated by fitted waists and bell-shaped skirts, while the asymmetrical shoulder was a prominent feature on the curve-hugging gowns. Sequins and feathers were found in abundance, methodically embroidered onto the dresses, adding dimension and texture. Favored by many-a-popstar, we can expect to see a few of Chakra's creations somewhere along the musical red carpet.

Georges Hobeika

An enchanting tale of fairies aflight and gardens in bloom, Georges Hobeika incited the magic of nature for his Fall 2012 Couture Collection. Fluttering gowns appeared in sublime shades of summer sage, rose red, lavender, minted aqua and sea breeze blue. Sumptuous velvets were underpinned by sheer chiffons, silk mousseline and lace, the pussycat neck bow acting as a leitmotif. The ethereal looks were festooned with dainty floral appliqués and a flurry of organza petals. I would love to see the hazy blue half of this collection on the red carpet, the second last look (blue ballgown, bottom row) is one of my favourites of fashion week.

Zuhair Murad

With style icons like Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez wearing his designs, Zuhair Murad is a fashion force to be reckoned with. He creates the kind of eye-catching, head-turning looks that always make a dramatic statement. For Fall 2012, Murad flirts with florals, as seen on the voluminous, varicolored gowns, and with delicately embroidered blossoms tacked onto gauzy lace, see-through silhouettes and full tulle skirts. Celestial white and ivory gowns make for pretty bridal wear, while red haute dresses appeal to one's passionate side. Concluding this extravagant collection is a set of emerald green and royal blue gowns in luxurious satins and silk, trimmed with feathers and self-shaded beads. 

Have you spotted your dream dress yet? That sums up the wonderment that was Paris Couture Fashion Week. Click for Parts One & Two of my runway reviews. 

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part Three

Paris Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites
Part Three

It has been a stellar few weeks of style from across the globe, but all good things must come to an end. This is the final part to my Fall 2012 Fashion Week coverage. Hope you enjoyed it.

Chanel

It was crystal covered eyebrows that stole the show at Chanel's Fall preview. That, and of course, a spectacular array of other-worldly outerwear. A shimmery blend of textures were layered in precious gemstone tones. Tweed coats decked with geometric motifs, motley print dresses and chunky metallic wool knits and sheer skirts, all worn over a skinny pair of pants. I loved the asymmetrical strap Mary Jane's the models trotted in. The collection glistened with a relaxed type of urbane glamour. 

Elie Saab

Elie Saab brings high-end glamour back down to earth with his Fall 2012 collection. Daywear was elegant with two-toned peplum dresses, weighty fur coats and sexy sheaths in charcoal, black and sandy beige. A lace cobweb design spun it's way onto a few floor-length frocks, while a vivid shot of emerald green ensembles filled in the rest of the colour quota. Then came the dazzling evening gowns we've all come to love and expect from the master couturier. Molten metal drizzled with sequins in hourglass silhouettes will be simply irresistible to every stylist and their celebrity clientele.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton takes us on a historic train ride this Winter, exclusive monogrammed luggage in tow. Quirky hats and large round goggles felt inspired by Johnny Depp's 'Mad Hatter' character from Alice in Wonderland. Models looked like 19th century story book characters themselves, costumed in oversized everything: buttons, brooches, lapels, collars and lengthy coats in exotic leather and holographically beaded tweed. The whimsical range was decadently painted in an assortment of colours - hypnotic purples, intense orange, caramel, indigo blue and green. Marc Jacobs tells a vivid tale with every unusual look. 

Alexander McQueen

An Alexander McQueen show is always a momentous event, and this season, Sarah Burton did not disappoint with a storm of cyclonic looks. Futuristic ice princess outfits were smothered in fur, feathers and fringing. Colossal coats & avant-garde dresses were seen in soothing shades of petal pink, lilac grey & celestial white, spiced with cherry red. Massive tiered gowns closed what was a transcendent show. Burton dreams up the extraordinary, then brings it to life.

Miu Miu

Only Miu Miu could turn 70's style wallpaper into chicly sophisticated suits with the utmost dexterity. As with Prada, it's all about the pantsuit for next season, in trippy harlequin and paisley prints. The silhouettes were masculine; long tailored blazers and clean-cut trousers and suit coats. The only hint of feminism came from the frilly ties and silky blouses. Two-toned leather loafers and doctor-bags wrapped up the street-executive outfits.

Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne mingles with glossy metallics in 60's style shapes for Fall 2012. Creative director Manish Arora set forth squarish silhouettes in swanky high-shine fabrics. Striped shifts with silver mesh inserts, chain-mail mini's, and grid patterned dresses garnished with fur hems and sleeves. Bright blue popped up amongst the minefield of coal, gunmetal grey and gold. Party frocks that will seek the disco crowd's attention - Paco Rabanne has you covered.

To view a recap of the entire Fashion Fall 2012 season, visit here.

Oscar Party Dresses 2012

We've seen all the Oscar gowns, but where most of the glamour happens is at the stylish after-parties. Tinseltown was lit up even brighter by a galaxy of starlets, trying to outshine each other in their best party frocks. Red was a predominant trend, as seen earlier at the Academy Awards show. This was followed by white and sheer dresses, as well as cut-outs. 

Sheerness

Emma Stone once again uped the ante in a gorgeous chiffon striped Chanel Couture gown. Kate Bosworth went futuristic in a filigree designed Prabal Gurung dress with longer sheer hem. Gwen Stefani wore a crystal beaded black and red Zuhair Murad dress. Not my favourite look on her. Zoe Saldana picked out a black bejewelled satin dress with sheer skirt and by Marios Schwab. Ginnifer Goodwin in a sheer cut-out Peter Som peplum dress.

Red Alert

Salma Hayek looked beautiful in a scarlet YSL gown. Claire Danes opted for a girly Valentino frock with sheer spotted yoke and ruffled skirt. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was statuesque in a crimson red Antonio Berardi dress. Diane Kruger in a plunge-neck Calvin Klein gown. The exposed lace bra bothers me. Kate Hudson wowed in beaded and fringed vintage Versace. Abbie Cornish wore a minimalistic cherry red look from Tommy Hilfiger.

In Supermodel Form

Marisa Miller wore a glorious gold sequined Joanna Johnson gown. Bar Rafaeli in a Roberto Cavalli frock strewn with metallic beads. Irina Shayk was all vixen in white hot Versace. Karolina Kurkova in a shimmery silver ensemble from Armani Privé with red heels. Different but can't say I like it. Brooklyn Decker wore a scallop beaded Valentino gown.

Modern Elegance

Mia Wasikowska wears a two-tone charcoal grey Antonio Berardi gown straight off last week's runway. Malin Akerman in a silver embroidered Sportmax gown with cut-out neckline. Victoria Beckham looked trés chic in her own strapless and leather belted design. Katie Holmes was a picture of grace in a twilight blue Elie Saab gown. Zhang Ziyi also wore Elie Saab, incidentally in a similar blue shade. Her dress had a cut-out v-neck and high slit.

 The Pop Stars

Miley Cyrus was rather dowdy in an ice grey Roberto Cavalli gown with fishtail chiffon skirt. Vanessa Hudgens chose a gold scallop-tiered gown by Georges Chakra. Selena Gomez, please show Miley how its done. The singer/actress was glamourous in a silver embellished Dolce & Gabbana gown. Ashley Tisdale looked elegant in a ruby one-shouldered silk mousseline dress free by Maria Lucia Hohan. Only Katy Perry can mix a blue bob with silver sequined Blumarine...And get away with it.

A Little Off The Length

Anna Paquin rocked a black and gold long-sleeved Emilio Pucci number. Paula Patton charmed in a black fringed Naeem Khan frock with metallic bodice. Maria Sharapova picked a frothy feminine look from Alexander McQueen. Heidi Klum was stellar in a neon yellow Versace mini with gold shoulder accents. Shailene Woodley mixed it up in a green leaf-print Proenza Schouler shift with matching DVF heels. Amy Adams was polished in a silver draped Vivienne Westwood dress. Doesn't it look like metal that's sculpted onto her.

Colour Surge

 Venus Williams was bold in a cerise and violet colour-blocked dress by Christiane King. Julie Bowen wore a Grecian-style draped Halston gown in saffron orange, with heels to match. Stana Katic stunned in a royal purple Alberta Ferretti gown with wrap-waist and high slit. Cameron Diaz opted for a simple frills-free look, wearing a fitted Victoria Beckham dress in tangerine. Rosario Dawson donned a colour-blocked Salvatore Ferragamo halter-neck gown in plum, orange & turquoise. This is not how I expected the dress to look off the runway. Rashida Jones wore a mustard yellow deep V-neck gown with lace cap sleeves by Elie Saab.

White Out

Sofia Vergara wore a heavily embellished dress by most popular designer of the night, Roberto Cavalli. Paz Vega chose a crisp white Stephane Rolland couture gown with extruding 3D hip pleats and gold belt. Georgina Chapman in a (simple for) Marchesa ensemble with folded sleeves and peplum waist. Mena Suvari was frosted in a frilly white Romona Keveza dress. Rachel Zoe went for an unfussy look in a long column gown with statement jewels.

Sweetly Subdued Hues

Dianna Agron wore a summery printed pink & white Carolina Herrera frock. Lydia Hearst was fairy-like in soft pink tulle gown with embroidered bodice. Dita von Teese in a pale pink Jenny Packham gown with sliver embellished shoulders and keyhole neckline with crossed straps. Surprisingly, I loved the lemon chiffon Georges Hobeika gown with white floral motifs that Kelly Osbourne wore. Lily Collins wore a nude tulle Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall gown embroidered in blue. Pretty, but a tad overdressed. Olga Kurylenko delighted in a soft moss green Georges Hobeika kimono gown, adorned with floral appliqués.

Bronzed Earth

Jennifer Lopez changed into another plunge-neck Zuhair Murad gown, this one in lacquered burgundy-brown. I liked how distinctive January Jones looked in this Wes Gordon ensemble. It has a Tuscan green silk organza top and bronzed velvet self-stripe skirt, along with leather belt. Anne Heche in a glittery gold and black Dolce & Gabbana dress. Kate Beckinsale was alluring in Atelier Versace, with cream, bronze and black beaded detail and cut-out waist and back. Maggie Grace was top-to-toe in gold sequins.

Black is the New Black

Olivia Wilde looked elegantly graceful in black strapless Gucci with gorgeous gold clutch. Kim Kardashian was unusually covered up in an Azzedine Alaia gown with mini cut-outs on the skirt. I loved Elizabeth Olsen in this Christian Dior gown, which has a silk t-shirt like top and alternating chiffon and leather skirt. Nina Dobrev's star power is rising, she was riveting in a J. Mendel Fall 2012 gown with cut-out bodice and low V-neck. Felicity Jones did understated sexiness in a 'Noir' leather Joanna Johnson dress with pin-tucked skirt.

Who wore your favorite Oscar After Party dress?