Elie Saab Enchants Riyadh for His 45th Anniversary
Eva Herzigova and Alek Wek walk the runway at Elie Saab's show in Riyadh. ©@eliesaabworld - Official account of Elie Saab.

To celebrate 45 years of his career, Lebanese designer Elie Saab orchestrated a dazzling show in Riyadh. 1001 Seasons brought together celebrities, star models, and artists for a grand event combining fashion, music, and emotion.

On November 14, 2024, Riyadh's Boulevard City transformed into a luxurious, magical setting to host 1001 Seasons, a breathtaking fashion and music event celebrating the 45-year career of Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Under the artistic direction of Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue France, the show presented no fewer than 300 new haute couture creations for Fall 2025.

The scenography, inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, transported guests to a fairy-tale world reminiscent of Oriental palaces. An exceptional cast of supermodels graced the runway, including Isabeli Fontana, Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima, Sara Sampaio, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jourdan Dunn, and Helena Christensen. The highlight of the event was the surprise appearance of Halle Berry, wearing the same iconic dress she wore at the 2002 Oscars—a vibrant homage to Elie Saab’s crucial role in her Hollywood success.

The show also featured unforgettable musical performances. Céline Dion’s emotional return to the stage, dressed in a stunning pink gown adorned with sequins and a flowing cape, moved the audience to tears. Her powerful rendition of The Power of Love and a specially arranged, Arabic-influenced version of I’m Alive created a perfect bridge between the West and the East.

Among the celebrities in attendance, Monica Bellucci made a sensation in a haute couture creation, joined by stars from the Arab world like Nadine Nassib Njeim and Razane Jammal. Promising regional models such as Rym Saidi and Tara Emad also shone on the runway. This diverse lineup ideally embodies the cultural bridge that Elie Saab builds between East and West.

The 1001 Seasons collection unfolded in several distinct themes. Black-and-white crystal-encrusted silhouettes—a signature of the house—stood alongside an “ode to the feminine silhouette” in shades of pink and green, as well as a silver and blue chapter celebrating Arab heritage. This unique fusion of Eastern tradition and contemporary glamour captivated the audience. The collection as a whole drew inspiration from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, reinterpreted through Saab’s visionary lens.

The 300 new pieces reflect the constant evolution of the Elie Saab brand while staying true to its DNA: precious embroidery, delicate transparencies, and architectural cuts. Renowned stylist Law Roach praised the timelessness of the creations, noting that Elie Saab’s gowns span generations with undiminished elegance.

The styling by Carine Roitfeld was acclaimed for enhancing the collection through a stunning staging, transcending traditional fashion show codes.

This anniversary show beautifully retraced Elie Saab’s extraordinary journey, from his beginnings in Beirut in 1982 to the Parisian runways. 1001 Seasons symbolizes the growing influence of the Middle East in global fashion and the pioneering role of Saab in this ascent.

A standing ovation marked this historic moment where fashion, music, and culture blended to celebrate not only the exceptional career of a visionary but also the universality of beauty. As Lebanon endures troubled times, the resounding success of 1001 Seasons reminds us that the talent of its artists continues to shine far beyond its borders. Elie Saab reaffirms his status as a cultural ambassador between two worlds, with timeless creations that transcend boundaries and captivate the world’s biggest stars.

The Lebanese designer Elie Saab celebrated 45 years of his career with a stunning show in Riyadh. 1001 Seasons gathered celebrities and top models for a grand spectacle blending fashion, music, and emotions, proving once again Elie Saab’s creative genius.

 

 

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