The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab event was nothing short of a spectacular showcase that seamlessly wove together the realms of fashion, music, and art under the star-lit skies of Saudi Arabia.
Held on November 13, 2024 at The Venue in Riyadh, the star-studded gala celebrated the 45th anniversary of Lebanese couturier Elie Saab, whose distinctive flair for intricate opulence has elevated bridal fashion throughout the years. Saab’s influence has touched runways from Paris to Beirut, and the grand event was testament to his influence on the global fashion landscape.
The runway show was a blockbuster in and of itself—Elie Saab showcased over 300 bold new designs, all of which captured the essence of glamour and innovation.
The ornate and regal ensembles were drawn from the theme ‘One Thousand and One Nights’—a nod to the Middle Eastern storytelling traditions that inspire so much of Saab’s work. His intricate embroidery, ethereal fabrics, and dramatic silhouettes were a testament to his unmatched craftsmanship and romantic vision.
Pairing the fashion show with the elegance of Riyadh, the event underlined Saudia Arabia’s impact on the international fashion scene, demonstrating the nation’s inimitable artistry and style.
The unique fashion show was graced by a number of musical performances that set the stage on fire, featuring powerhouses like Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Camila Cabello, each dressed in gowns by Elie Saab. Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram and Egyptian musician Amr Diab also enchanted audiences with live numbers.
Under the artistic direction of Bianca Li, the the staging was infused with the same glamour and theatricality as the couture, marking the phenomenal production as another highlight of the night.
Celine Dion was a showstopper in a sheer skin-toned gown with a trailing cape, all adorned with sequins and crystals. The 56-year-old star donned a second gown: a dramatic floral creation in printed organza, with a similar cape detail and bouquet sleeves.
Halle Berry graced the event wearing the same dress she wore to the 2002 Oscars ceremony, during which she made history as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for the film Monsters Ball. Audiences are sure to remember the iconic gown, which features a sheer wine bodice with vine appliqués, and a draped ruby skirt.
Other stars in attendance included French fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, actresses Monica Bellucci and Kelly Rutherford, and models Adriana Lima, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Poppy Delevingne.
Singer Lana del Rey was also photographed alongside Camilla Cabello. Other celebrities present were Alek Wek, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Hande Erçel, Youssra, Elissa, Nadine Njeim, Cyrine Abdel Nour, Sulafa Mimar, Jourdan Dunn, Candice Swanepoel, Helena Christensen, Maria Carla Boscono, Eva Herzigova, Stella Maxwell, Anne V, Veronica Ferraro, Tamara Kalinić, Chriselle Lim, Xenia Adonts, and Eva Apio.
Wedded Wonderland joins Elie Saab in celebrating 45 years of the couture house’s commitment to sublime style. Our long-standing admiration for Elie Saab spans years, from visiting his Parisian boutiques to featuring his exquisite wedding gowns cherished by Wedded Wonderland brides. This ‘1001 Seasons of Elie Saab’ was a culmination of this ongoing narrative, affirming the designer’s vital place in the beloved wedding industry.
