Milestone Moment: Ellie Saab Is Set To Celebrate 45 Years In Fashion In Saudi Arabia

Lebanese designer Elie Saab will return to Riyadh this year with an extravagant show to celebrate 45 years in the fashion industry, once again set to enchant the fashion world.

Titled “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab”, the show is a nod to the traditional Middle Eastern tales of 1001 Nights, a tribute to Saab’s Middle Eastern heritage. The show will feature 300 looks, each created especially for the event, and styled by the legendary Carine Roitfeld, renowned stylist and former editor-in-cheif of French Vogue. Additionally, Saab’s presentation will celebrate his legacy of artistry and Lebanese roots, offering both locals and visitors the opportunity to experience his couture up close.

While details of the event are being kept under wraps, Elie Saab’s CEO, Elie Saab Jr., has promised the show will “bridge fashion and entertainment,” with a runway presentation and multiple performances by stars and friends of the house. The event is being curated by Done+Dusted, the team behind the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, ensuring a visually spectacular experience.

For those unable to attend, the show will be streamed across his social media platforms and broadcast on the MBC television network throughout the region.

Set to take place on November 13 at the iconic Boulevard City in Riyadh, the event is part of Riyadh Season 2024, one of the world’s largest winter entertainment festivals. Riyadh Season 2024 will feature various zones, exhibitions, and experiences, establishing itself as the region’s premier celebration of culture, arts, and entertainment.

The upcoming collection, Riyadh Season Collection Fall 2025, is expected to reflect the significance of Saudi Arabia as a key market for the brand, while aiming to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a destination for world-class events. Additionally, this collaboration with Riyadh Season highlights the shared commitment with Ellie Saab to spread the spirt of the Middle East.

Elie Saab’s journey in Riyadh began with the opening of his flagship store in the winter of 2023. Designed by Mia Derbas of UMA Interiors, the boutique offers visitors the opportunity to step into the world of Elie Saab and experience his luxurious designs firsthand.

Elie Saab is a renowned couture designer who has built a prestigious legacy over the past four decades. Starting out with just 15 seamstresses, Saab has since become a household name, with workshops in Lebanon, Milan, and Paris. His empire includes ready-to-wear, bridal, haute couture, children’s wear, accessories, perfumes, interiors, and high-end waterfront properties. His collections are celebrated for their connection to his Middle Eastern identity and traditional craftsmanship, while seamlessly blending them with modern elegance.

Over the years, Saab’s creations have been worn by the world’s most influential figures. Dignitaries such as Brigitte Macron, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Queen Rania of Jordan have all worn his designs. Celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Céline Dion, and Jennifer Lopez are frequently spotted in his couture. Additionally, he designed the outfits for The Beyoncé Experience tour, and Halle Berry famously wore one of his creations when she won her Academy Award in 2002.