In a night that sparkled with stars, couture, and some of the world’s most iconic voices, Elie Saab celebrated 45 years of his brand in Riyadh with “The 1001 Seasons of ELIE SAAB” show. Part of the Riyadh Season’s official calendar and co-hosted by His Excellency Turki Bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Alshaikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, alongside Saab himself, the event transformed fashion into a spectacle of culture and artistry. Elie Saab’s 45th-anniversary show went beyond the conventional runway. Saab put together a carefully choreographed homage to Arabian heritage and global glamour that charmed an audience of over a thousand attendees from across the world.
Under the daring styling of Carine Roitfeld, the night brought Saab’s aesthetic to life with a fierce, contemporary edge that echoed his journey from Beirut to international superstardom. On a shimmering Riyadh stage, over 300 looks transformed the legendary tales of 1001 Nights into a living story of Arabian opulence and modern elegance, where every piece radiated the craftsmanship and storytelling that has made Elie Saab a global icon.
What truly stole the show, however, were the electrifying performances. With Celine Dion‘s voice soaring through the night, Jennifer Lopez‘s unmatched energy, and Camila Cabello‘s charm, the performances felt like once-in-a-lifetime moments crafted to elevate the magic of Saab’s fashion.
Middle Eastern legends Nancy Ajram and Amr Diab brought the spirit of the region into the spotlight, infusing the evening with an undeniable sense of cultural pride and resonance. And with the legendary Blanca Li directing a mesmerizing array of dance and visual performances, the runway became a theatrical experience, blending couture with art.
Halle Berry walked the runway wearing her wearing her iconic 2002 Oscars dress, in which she made history as the first-ever African American to win the ‘Best Actress’ award.
The guest list was a testament to the brand’s international appeal, with personalities from high-profile celebrities to industry icons gracing the event. Riyadh’s red carpet buzzed with A-list energy, setting the stage for a night of unforgettable moments.
The show ended in an emotional finale, in which Dion, Lopez, Cabello, Berry, and Arjam walk the stage with Saab and models gathered in the background.
For those who couldn’t be there, the event’s grandeur was broadcast live on MBC Channel and streamed across global fashion and lifestyle platforms, extending “The 1001 Seasons of ELIE SAAB” to viewers worldwide. This move not only positioned Riyadh as a new center for high fashion but also underscored Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global cultural hub through Riyadh Season.
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