ELIE SAAB is a renowned Lebanese luxury fashion house specializing in haute couture, ready-to-wear, and bridal collections. Founded by self-taught designer Elie Saab in 1982, the brand is celebrated globally for its innate elegance, refined silhouettes, and sumptuous detailing, making it a red carpet favorite.
Company Overview
Headquarters/Ateliers:
The main workshop remains in Beirut, Lebanon, with additional ateliers in Paris and Milan. The company is primarily based in Paris.
Specialty:
The brand is known for its intricate embroidery, use of luxurious materials like lace and gemstones, and elegant gowns that blend Middle Eastern opulence with Western style.
Global Reach:
While operating a limited number of dedicated boutiques in fashion capitals like London, New York, and Paris, the ready-to-wear lines and fragrances are distributed through over 160 international retailers and stockists such as Net-a-Porter and Farfetch.
Product Lines and Divisions
The ELIE SAAB brand architecture has expanded beyond just clothing to become a full luxury lifestyle offering. The core segments include:
Haute Couture:
The brand’s primary identity, known for bespoke, high-fashion creations.
Ready-to-Wear:
A more accessible line of luxury apparel for women.
Bridal:
A dedicated line of wedding attire, originally a key focus for the designer.
Accessories & Fragrances:
This includes eyewear, shoes, and a successful fragrance line, with scents like Le Parfum and Girl of Now.
ELIE SAAB Maison (Home & Interiors):
A venture into interior design and luxury branded residences, offering the brand’s aesthetic for homes and real estate projects.
Kids’ Wear:
A line for junior fashion.
Key Milestones
1982:
Elie Saab launches his eponymous label and first atelier in Beirut at the age of 18.
2002:
The brand achieves global recognition when Halle Berry wears an ELIE SAAB gown to the Academy Awards, becoming the first Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner.
2003:
Invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the brand showcases its first haute couture collection in Paris.
2019:
Expansion into interior design announced, marking a significant step into the luxury lifestyle market.
The company continues to position itself as a major leader in the global luxury market, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance