For his third bridal collection, Elie Saab stayed true to his signatures of opulence, grandeur, and femininity. The location for his presentation—Elizabeth Taylor’s former townhouse in midtown Manhattan—was the ideal setting for the 13-piece, heavily embellished collection, which sat next to glittering jewelry and sparkling shoes.
The lineup took its cues from Japanese cherry blossoms, which came through in floral motifs and Saab’s use of blush for the first time. A sheath dress got a dose of his signature red carpet glamour with a detachable skirt, which brides can remove after the ceremony for greater ease of movement. Saab carried that idea of comfort and versatility over to a long-sleeved jumpsuit, which took a simpler approach to glitz with tonal crystal embellishments.
The designer also reworked traditional capes and veils in a gossamer-thin hybrid material, which didn’t overpower his body-conscious gowns. But it was a business in the front, party in the back evening dress that stole the show with its illusion bodice dotted with pearls and crystals that cascaded into a tulle ball skirt. The crystals extended around the back, too, which brides will appreciate for their walk down the aisle.
Also noteworthy: For the first time, Saab is bringing his haute gowns (worn by the likes of Brie Larson, CĂ©line Dion, and Jennifer Lopez) to a wider audience. The new collection starts at $7,000.
