Under the golden Arabian sky, Elie Saab transformed Riyadh into a living fantasy for The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab—a breathtaking spectacle marking the Lebanese designer’s 45-year reign as king of couture. Held during Riyadh Season 2024, the event was nothing short of fashion’s answer to the Oscars, complete with a mile-long red carpet, 300 show-stopping looks, and performances by music royalty.
A Runway Like No Other
Staged in a custom-built venue dripping with grandeur, the show—choreographed by Blanca Li and styled by Carine Roitfeld—unfolded as a four-act fairytale. Ninety models glided through themed tableaux, showcasing:
✔ Haute couture exclusives crafted for the occasion
✔ Archival treasures revived from Saab’s four-decade legacy
✔ Signature Saab opulence: feather-light silks, cascading crystal embroideries, and gowns that moved like liquid starlight
The collection was a masterclass in timeless elegance, blending Baroque grandeur with modern sophistication—proof that Saab’s romantic vision only grows more potent with time.
The Performances: A Triple Threat of Star Power
No anniversary celebration would be complete without show-stopping musical acts, and Saab delivered:
✨ Jennifer Lopez ignited the stage in a fringe-swinging bodysuit, proving that glamour and grit go hand-in-hand.
✨ Camila Cabello brought bad-girl energy in a sequined bustier minidress and thigh-high boots, a bold contrast to the evening’s ethereal gowns.
✨ The night crescendoed with Celine Dion, who emerged in a gold-sequined mermaid gown and billowing chiffon cape, her powerhouse vocals soaring through The Power of Love and I’m Alive—a metaphor for Saab’s own enduring brilliance.
A Homecoming of Hope
For Saab, hosting this milestone in the Middle East was deeply symbolic. “This region has given me so much inspiration,” he reflected, referencing his humble beginnings in war-torn Beirut and his rise to global couture dominance. “Even in darkness, we create light. Tonight is a celebration of that resilience.”
The sentiment resonated with guests like Halle Berry, who paid homage to Saab by revisiting her legendary 2002 Oscar gown, and Monica Bellucci, who embodied old-world glamour in a sweeping velvet cape. Other luminaries—Poppy Delevingne, Helena Christensen, and Middle Eastern royalty—turned the front row into a constellation of style icons.
Why This Night Mattered
Beyond the glitter and grandeur, The 1001 Seasons was a testament to fashion’s power to uplift. In a world often fractured by conflict, Saab’s unwavering commitment to beauty felt like an act of defiance—and a reminder that art endures, even in adversity.
Final Bow
As the last notes of Dion’s ballad faded, one truth shone clear: Elie Saab doesn’t just design dresses—he crafts dreams. And after 45 years, the world is still spellbound.
Were you there in spirit? ✨🇱🇧 Relive the magic via #1001Seasons on Instagram.
