Elie Saab sets his heroine on a journey through time. Waking up, she finds herself on majestic shores of the Bosphorus in the capital of two great empires: Istanbul-Constantinople. Two cultures, ancient Byzantine and its successor Ottoman, intertwine in the collection, creating a quintessence of luxury and splendor. Dresses with a train glitter with gilded embroidery like jewels. Faceted stones, like constellations, embrace the heroine or form a brooch on her chest or flow as an iridescent jet along the silhouette. Amazing in its richness palette with a dominant smoky-gray, pale pink, sky blue, jade and gilt is definitely a strong point of the collection, bringing freshness to what otherwise seems a bit solemn.

Raw laced edges of sleeves and skirts contrast ample volumes of silk organza. Tulle, guipure and laces create multilayered transparency.

Like a precious jewel in the crown, the wedding dress of embossed organza with a leaf ornament of gold brocade culminates the show.

This collection of the Lebanese designer, often named as the main supplier of cocktail dresses for the “red carpets”, is even more luxurious than usual. Chantilly laces and guipure, organza and brocade, embroidery and applique, deep V-necks and open back – the signature of Elie Saab is generally expected but does not prevent from being as always spectacular. Steadily rising sales figures of the fashion house is a direct confirmation to that.

Photo credits: Elie Saab