PARIS, Jan 25, 2006/ FW/ --- At Elie Saab, the backdrop to the yellow brick runway was formed by a silhouette of black trees sporting large gold leaves. An enchanted forest perhaps, and it wouldn’t be surprising as these were dresses destined for princesses, of noble birth or otherwise, and anyone putting one on, as if with a wave of the magic wand, is sure to snare at least one prince charming.

With silhouettes either figure hugging or voluminous, it sometimes seemed as if the designer couldn’t decide between the romantic and the sensual, so we got both. With fifty-five looks in total, it wasn’t as if there wasn’t room indecision though.

An example of sexy came early in the show with a taut knee length golden anise pencil skirt, joining a low cut lace bustier of the same colour embroidered with sequins and flowers.

The romantic theme came for instance with a slightly gothic empire line robe in pleated black organza, billowing in the skirt and with brocade detailing around the bust. Perhaps the exits that were the most successful were those that managed to combine elements of both.

This was witnessed in a draped golden décolleté dress, which, at floor length, was relatively modest when static, but revealed the whole of the thigh when in motion.

With draping, pleats, flounces and lace, fluted skirts, baby doll dresses et cetera, it was a collection with enough variety to appeal to all tastes but for some the more lurid colors and occasionally over-loaded ruffles may prove a bit excessive.

Closing the season Saab had the chance to leave a lasting impression on a wide audience and, with the Oscars only a step away, this is surely not the last we have heard from him as for honest to goodness red carpet glamour, you would have to go a long way to beat Elie Saab; after all, this is stuff that dreams are made of!

Elie Saab

Elie Saab

Elie Saab

Elie Saab