Lebanese designer Elia Saab is famous not only in her homeland. Over the course of a decade, his boutiques have appeared in several countries, and his talent is recognized internationally. For his contribution to the beauty industry, Saab was awarded the title of Chevalier of the National Order of the Republic.
Biography
The fashion designer was born in 1964 in Beirut. He had a craving for sewing from an early age. When his peers played, he made clothes for his sisters from scrap materials. Eli started sewing at about six years old.
Parents approved of this occupation, because in Lebanon only men become tailors, and this is a prestigious profession. However, in this skill, conservatism and adherence to traditions reign, therefore, for any creativity, special courage is needed here.
However, Eli in this business was attracted by creativity, and he decided to go to Paris to study there as a designer. The shrewd guy quickly realized that the path to haute couture in France could be very long, and returned to Beirut a year later. Here Saab opened his own atelier and began to sew his models.
At that time, the war was raging in Lebanon, people were tired of it, and as soon as women saw what beauty a young tailor creates, they began to buy up his dresses. Basically, Eli sewed wedding and evening dresses, because he understood that war is not a hindrance to weddings, and he was not mistaken. Rich clients were also attracted by an unusual cut and design: the designer combined Western and Eastern motives and richly decorated his models with rhinestones, embroidery and coins.
First steps to fame
In 1982, Eli held the first show of his collection in Beirut. These were delicate, feminine and romantic models from an eighteen-year-old designer. The audience, delighted with this beauty, immediately recognized Eli as the king of Lebanese fashion.
These models were truly exclusive, so the wives of the richest representatives of the Lebanese nobility, including the royal family, became his clients.
The path to glory
In the early 90s, the designer is already taking orders from France and Switzerland, and in 1997 he demonstrates his collection in Rome, then in Milan and Monaco, where Princess Stephanie became his client.
In the zero years, the designer opens his first salon in Paris, and this is already recognition by the world of haute couture.
At the shows, the Lebanese designer every time surprised the audience with new discoveries: an unusual color, luxurious finishes, an original cut. And the most unusual and attractive in his collections was the combination of oriental and western cut.
He faced criticism due to too much overload of decoration and the variegation of his dresses, but this only helped him to improve.
In 2005, a new ready-to-wear collection from Saab was released. It was like a completely different designer who presented pantsuits, bodycon dresses and fashionable blouses. These were everyday models of a rather complex cut, therefore, very attractive for fashionistas.
Saab now owns a fashion boutique in Beirut, a huge store on the Champs Elysees and retail outlets around the world. And his clients are the most famous and elegant Hollywood actresses, wives of politicians and millionaires.
His name is called among the most famous couturiers of our century.
Personal life
Elie Saab lives with his wife Claudine in Beirut, where his main office is located. He has three sons: Selim, Eli and Michael.
When one of the sons got married, his fiancee shone in Elie Saab outfits - it was a magnificent sight.
