Master Of Gems

Okay, I'm a little late covering Elie Saab's Autumn/Winter 2013 couture collection. However, I wrote about it for the creative writing course I have applied for and thought it would be rude, quite frankly, not to share the jaw-dropping experience that comes with setting your eyes upon a Saab dress. These particular numbers were among my favourites, although the label, as always, showcased that each and every piece was to hold its own in the style stakes. 

Ellie Saab is known to be generous when it comes to a razzle dazzle finishing touch and the Autumn/Winter 2013 collection was certainly no exception. Far from a finishing touch, the designer doused luxurious fabrics in crystals. Dancing alluringly under the Palais Brongniart's many lights, the sea of gems captured every eye. The couture collection exudes old-school, Hollywood glamour with an appropriate slice of drama.

This season we were plunged into seductive darkness, with the colour palette taking a majestic style; emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue provided a rich, distinctively opulent aesthetic to the collection. This regal stature was swayed only by shades of icy gray, which swept the 19th century backdrop in a blizzard of refreshed cool. The dove grey not only added softness to the collection, but reflected Saab's refrained take on haute couture too. This was further established through simple gown construction: the dresses skimmed but enhanced the figure - leaving embellishment to create the fantastical mystic. Transporting us into the fairy tale every girl dreams of, air rushed through the ethereally light fabric: layers of chiffon billowing romantically in swirls of wonder. It was entrancing. Hypnotic even. The fluidity was so graceful against the fast-paced strut of the models it was hard to envisage the mania happening backstage as models stripped from frock to frock. 

If it wasn't feather-light tulle capturing our hearts it was the luxurious, shimmery satin, or the full swish skirts. Deep neck lines and open backs matched the restrained sexual presence in the sheer panels and split leg. Meanwhile, modernity and practicality resurfaced from the decadent foundations of the collection -with pockets providing effortless chic. Ingenious? Yes. Practical? Very. Cool? Undeniably so. With their hands slung low in their pockets, the models looked like wearing exquisitely crafted couture gowns every day was the norm. 

The collection was truly a sparkling affair of timeless elegance, executed with panache. And, as always, he has left me salivating over each and every dress in the hope that, some day, i will be able to find one his designs hanging serenely in a garment bag in my wardrobe. That's the dream anyway.