Elie Saab: Haute Goes Glam
By Mari Davis
Photos by FW

PARIS, Jul 8, 2004/ FW/ --- Tonight at the Theatre National de Chaillot, it looked more like a red carpet affair than a runway show as Elie Saab (photo at left) presented his Fall 2004 haute couture collection that is as glam as it could get.

Forget Halle Berry, forget Beyoncé; if you want Hollywood sensation in your dressing, go to Elie Saab. He had dressed Hollywood’s most beautiful woman, and he can give you that same allure, that is if you decide to wear his creations.

The Lebanese couturier is hotter than the Phoenix sun in July. Last season, though his show was well attended, it did not create the buzz it did like last night. The photographer’s pit was full, with at least 4 TV crews in sight. There was no room to spare.

And all the seats were taken and the standing room only was full. Backstage after the show, you have to fall in line to get an interview. Even the TV crews had to as Mr. Saab; together with his wife Claudine greeted well wishers and fans as they congratulated the couturier for a great collection.

Starting with the white strapless cocktail dress adorned with a poncho that works as a shawl that is embedded with diamantes to the deep V neckline lavender catsuit, again sparkling with diamantes on the bodice – who needs jewelry when your outfit has enough bling-bling to turn heads around.

Elie Saab can do no wrong in the collection as the audience literally had their mouth open, figuratively drooling over the sensational gowns, cocktail dresses and pantsuits. The couturier did not show any daywear; the whole collection was for evening, but who cares if they are as gorgeous as the ones shown.

As beautiful as the collection is, it also reflects Elie Saab’s impeccable attention to details. Everything looked perfect from the word go. Even the model’s make-up is faultless, and the styling is superb.

And to paraphrase an American saying, this collection had me at hello!

Elie Saab

Elie Saab

Elie Saab

Elie Saab