In a dazzling fête of fashion, artistry and cultural flair, Elie Saab’s “The 1001 Seasons of ELIE SAAB” transported audiences through a journey rich in Arabian history and modern elegance, reaffirming the boundless nature of beauty and creativity. Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, the event was part of the Riyadh Season, a large-scale annual festival that showcases Saudi history through a series of entertainment, sports and cultural events. Bridging traditions of the past with contemporary codes of the present, the showcase paid tribute to 45 years of the House of Elie Saab, cementing the designer’s status as a global fashion luminary.

Hosted by His Excellency Turki Bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Alshaik, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, and Elie Saab himself, the event stood as a celebration of tradition, innovation and the extraordinary fusion of East and West. With over 300 stunning looks, the selection reinterpreted the legendary tales of One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of largely Middle Eastern stories, through a modern lens, weaving together themes of mystique, opulence and Arabian heritage.

Saab’s work holds a deep resonance within the global fashion community, as a large number of esteemed guests gathered to witness the spectacle of his creations that night. Stylist Carine Roitfeld joined Saab in curating the evening’s looks, complimenting his vision with a fresh, contemporary spin distinct to Roitfield’s bold aesthetic. The event’s guests included a star-studded group of industry leaders, fashion influencers, international editors, and cultural icons: Halle Berry, Monica Bellucci, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Poppy Delevingne, Kelly Rutherford and Amelia Gray Hamlin, among others. And, in a spectacularly coordinated sequence, a team of vocal powerhouses graced the stage to honor the house’s legacy. 

Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Camila Cabello performed for the event, each concert thoughtfully curated to harmonize with the thematic journey of “The 1001 Seasons of ELIE SAAB.” The stage came alive with a series of performances choreographed by Blanca Li, who, in a breath of mesmerizing movement, seamlessly integrated dance into the programs of fashion and couture. Celebrated Middle Eastern artists, including Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram (also dubbed “Queen of Arab Pop”) and Egyptian singer and composer Amr Diab, lent the evening a touch of local cultural influence.

A remembrance of styles past and a tribute to silhouettes present, the event was an opulent reflection of Saab’s journey as a designer influenced by the rich cultural tapestry of Lebanon. The collection blended the grandeur of classical Arabian design with the modern sensibilities that have become synonymous with the Elie Saab brand.  A legacy in the making, the evening bore witness to a culmination of decades of work, of traditions passed down through generations and of a vision that has consistently pushed the boundaries of what fashion can be.

In a letter to attendees, Elie Saab touchingly wrote, “Beauty knows no borders; it is the universal identity we seek in all we perceive and create. When beauty and creativity become our highest pursuits, the world transforms into a more splendid place.”