If there’s one designer who never fails to deliver elegant, feminine luxury, it’s Elie Saab.
Pulling on the colours and society of his Middle Eastern roots, the Lebanese couturier has created a vibrant aesthetic that is sensual and ethereal - qualities we all need more of in these turbulent times.
Now, after a two-year hiatus, the designer returned to the runway to present his SS22 collection - a compilation of 55 garments featuring feathers, sparkles, sequins, and voluminous skirts, The aim? To instil joy and excitement back into the lives of his customers.
"I felt my clients are looking for release, they want things that are flashy, with colours, lively things — I see that this period has affected a lot of people," the designer said in a statement.
For his latest showcase, models paraded down the runway in capes and gowns covered in Bougainvillea flowers. He played with floral elements such as giant corsages, abundant petal embroidery and necklines in the shape of billowing flower bouquets. Bedazzled cage-like face masks were another standout feature.
For Saab, the collection symbolises triumph at the end of a tumultuous period. After battling through the pandemic, his hometown was rocked by a devastating explosion, damaging his home as well as his workspace.
However, despite the hardship, the fashion creator evokes a sense of optimism. “Each time we experience difficult times, we transform the challenge into something better”, he says. “We have hope, everything comes back to hope.” With the vivid colour and blooming botanicals, this sentiment is certainly echoed in his Spring Summer ‘22 collection.
