Story by Editor-at-Large Carolina Ogliaro
The Enchanted Odyssey: Inside Elie Saab’s “1001 Seasons” Celebration
In the realm of haute couture, where dreams are stitched into fabrics and fantasies cascade down runways, few names conjure a sense of magic quite like Elie Saab. With his latest masterpiece celebrative show, 1001 Seasons, Saab transported his audience into a shimmering world where the boundaries between art, nature, and imagination dissolved. This wasn’t merely a show, it was an odyssey through time, culture, and emotion, a testament to the designer’s unparalleled ability to weave stories with silk and light.
Celebrating 45 years of spellbinding fashion, Elie Saab’s 1001 Seasons was a landmark moment in the brand’s illustrious history. Since its inception, the house of Elie Saab has stood as a beacon of elegance and innovation, defining the very essence of haute couture. This milestone event drew a constellation of luminaries to its audience, including Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Nancy Ajram, Amr Diab and Camila Cabello. Their presence underscored the global reverence for Saab’s visionary approach, a timeless blend of Middle Eastern grandeur and modern sophistication that has adorned red carpets, royal galas, and bridal dreams for nearly half a century.
The 1001 Seasons show unfolded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, like the pages of an ancient manuscript, each design is a chapter narrating the eternal history of the brand as a dance of nature’s cycles. Inspired by the perpetual rebirth of seasons and the poetic harmony they embody, Saab’s vision intertwined the essence of spring’s blossoms, summer’s golden glow, autumn’s fiery foliage, and winter’s crystalline whispers.
As the show began, the runway transformed into a mystical and opulent stage, with projections and fireworks. Models emerged, draped in garments that seemed alive, each stitch and embellishment capturing the delicate ephemerality of the natural world. From pastel organza gowns that mimicked morning dew to gilded dresses reminiscent of sun-dappled fields, Saab’s designs brought the magic of the seasons to life. 1001 seasons showcased more than 300 looks from Saab’s archives styled by Carine Rotfield.
Saab’s artistry shone brightest in the meticulous detailing. Sequins glimmered like dewdrops under the first light of dawn, while intricate embroidery evoked the movement of rustling leaves. Feathered capes, cascading ruffles, and shimmering beadwork gave the impression that the garments were breathing entities, each imbued with the spirit of its respective season.
The 1001 Seasons show by Elie Saab was nothing short of an ethereal journey, a living canvas where nature’s poetry met the precision of haute couture. Each design was a celebration of life’s cyclical beauty, drawing inspiration from the ever-changing seasons yet transcending time with its timeless elegance. The runway became a mystical tableau as models floated by in creations that seemed to breathe, adorned with whisper-soft fabrics, intricate embroidery, and shimmering embellishments. From the pastel hues of spring’s first blush to the gilded opulence of summer’s golden hour, Saab’s artistry captured the soul of each season with unparalleled grace. It was a spectacle that enchanted the senses and left the audience spellbound, a testament to Saab’s ability to transform fashion into a transcendent experience.
With 1001 Seasons, Elie Saab reaffirmed his place as a maestro of storytelling through design. This celebration wasn’t just an ode to the brand but a call to cherish the beauty in all its forms. Saab’s genius lies not only in creating garments but in crafting experiences that linger in the heart long after the final bow. Through this enchanted narrative, each creation become a chapter in his extraordinary career, reflecting a profound understanding of elegance and an unwavering commitment to his craft. With this show, Saab invited the world to revel in the magic of his vision, marking a milestone not just in fashion, but in the art of dreaming itself.
For those lucky enough to witness this otherworldly spectacle, it was a reminder that fashion, at its zenith, is more than an industry, it is a form of magic.
“Today, the world gathers in Riyadh with a shared declaration: beauty knows no borders; it is the
universal identity we seek in all we perceive and create. When beauty and creativity become our
highest pursuits, the world transforms into a more splendid place.
My message to you transcends borders, leaving traces of joy in everything we have strived for from the very beginning, wherever we plan and dream. Beauty is boundless, and our Arab world is
brimming with talents that radiate their creativity globally.
A salute to every bearer of peace and love, and a sincere thank you to those who dream with us of aworld worthy of beauty. Each step, as I pledged 45 years ago, is a new beginning, and what lies
ahead is undoubtedly more beautiful.
With all my love,
Elie Saab”
Photo by Indigital.tv 
