Elie Saab: Crafting Timeless Elegance Through Passion and Perseverance

Elie Saab – a master of design whose intricate creations effortlessly combine Eastern grandeur with Western elegance – has long been praised for his works. Saab opens up in this rare and enlightening interview with Official Bespoke about the motivations, ideologies, and devotion that have made his distinguished career possible.

A Predestined Path to Fashion

Since childhood, Saab has had an aptitude for design, designing dresses for his sister, and understanding fashion as his authentic calling. Although he had only a short formal education in fashion, he emphasises that talent and hard work have been the backbone of his success. “The most important thing that helped me in the business was the talent,” he asserts, demonstrating the importance of individuality in the fashion world. 

The Philosophy of Simplicity and Glamour

The harmony of simplicity and glamour is the ethos of Saab’s design. In his opinion, true beauty is found in quiet grandeur, and he says, “The secret to beauty is simplicity with a certain touch of glamour”. This philosophy is reflected in his works that frequently include clean lines embellished with painstaking details, a balance between minimalism and luxury. 

Drawing Inspiration from the World

For Elie Saab, inspiration is omnipresent. In various aspects of life, such as nature, art or just everyday occurrences, he discovers creative fuel. Quoting him, “Anything can be a source of inspiration”, he highlights the need for imagination, observation in the creative process. 

Evolving with Time

With the ever-changing world of fashion, Saab talks about his style evolution. He refers to his current lines as “sharper and purer”, suggesting an evolution of his aesthetic. This evolution reflects his capacity to evolve, while retaining what makes his brand distinguished. 

Expanding Horizons

Saab’s name is synonymous with bridal and evening wear, but, focusing on attracting a younger market, his look in recent seasons has been more accessible with ready-to-wear and accessory offerings. He wants to offer versatile pieces that appeal to the desires of modern women for elegance and functionality. “I want to supply women with daily clothing, as this is what women long for these days, ” he explains. 

A Deep Connection to Beirut

Even with his global success, Saab remains deeply connected to his roots in Beirut. He considers his Beirut studio his “main and dearest”, taking ideas from the city’s resilience and colourful cultural strands. This relationship is a hallmark of his dedication to his heritage while contributing to the worldwide fashion story. Passion, talent, and unstoppable dedication led Elie Saab to success. His capacity to introduce simplicity with glamour, find inspiration from his surroundings, and grow with time has cemented his position as a visionary in the fashion industry. 

Reveal the genius behind the glamour – find out what Elie Saab had to say in one of the few interviews he gave, and let his story of passion, purpose and couture mastery inspire you.