Deciding on a topic for my first blog post proved to be a lot harder than I had expected. The more I thought about it, the more I struggled with what to write. What made choosing a topic so difficult is the fact that I love a lot of things; writing, reading, and traveling are a few. And then there’s fashion.
What makes fashion so important to me is the fact that it tells a story. You could imagine my delight when I was young and discovered the beautiful world of fashion magazines – I immediately became obsessed. Picking up a copy of Vogue was like picking up a fashion fairytale. I was mesmerized by the incredible photo shoots and fantasy-fueled ads that filled the pages. It was magical…and still is.
Fashion holds so much power and evokes such intense emotion – so, what better story to share for my first blog post than one of fashion? I was recently asked to write about a significant moment in fashion, and what I chose to feature didn’t only signify a major moment in a designer’s career, but it also had an everlasting effect on me personally. The moment took place in 2002 and involved a breathtaking dress by one of my all-time favourite designers, Mr. Elie Saab. I was put under the hypnotizing spell of Elie Saab’s designs well over a decade ago. I feel that my Lebanese roots attracted me to his distinctive approach to fashion. Elie Saab has a unique style that is rich in romance, something I feel is influenced by his native city Beirut – a place that just so happens to own my heart. I was lucky to watch a special runway presentation of Elie Saab in downtown Beirut in the summer of 2010. The showcase featured his Fall 2010 collection – a collection I had written about in a fashion course I had taken earlier that year. Watching the dresses come alive on the runway in Beirut was a moment I’ll never forget.
Here is the story of Elie’s 2002 Oscar Gown moment. I loved writing this story and I’m so happy to share it.
Elie Saab: The 2002 Oscar Gown
The Designer
Elie Saab has solidified his place amongst the elite of haute couture designers. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, it was not too long ago that Saab’s main following and clientele consisted of primarily Lebanese women. Over the past decade, Saab has established himself as a go-to designer for some of the most famous and powerful women in the world. In 2005, Elie Saab’s headquarters opened in downtown Beirut, paying homage to his home country and the place where he finds design inspiration through the beauty of the country’s landscapes, diversity, and electric culture. His designs explore the lure of the curves of a woman’s body, and play on themes of romanticism and femininity. The mass appeal of Saab’s designs can be exemplified by the countless best-dressed lists his pieces have been featured in, and the fact that he was invited to become a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. His craft and creativity can be held to the highest regard; however, there was a turning point for Saab that propelled his brand into the mainstream, and it was a moment that featured a momentous dress.
The Moment
The Oscars are one the greatest fashion events of the year. Millions of viewers eagerly wait to see what the world’s biggest stars will be wearing for their much anticipated red carpet appearance. For designers, this is the opportune moment to make a statement by dressing high profile celebrities and showcasing distinctive designs. Dressing the night’s most acclaimed nominees is a coveted opportunity that is typically left to the most famous fashions houses. In 2002, the Academy Awards was the stage for a red carpet moment that has become iconic in the fashion world, and its focus was a lesser-known designer. The beautiful Halle Berry, nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award, stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning gown that captured the attention of both viewers and the fashion world. With a luxe burgundy skirt draped around her waist, and a sheer top that featured gorgeous floral appliqué, the world became hypnotized by Berry and her red carpet statement. Halle Berry went on to win the Academy Award that evening, the first African-American woman to ever do so, and her historic moment showcased a now renowned Elie Saab gown.
The Dress
Pulled from his 2001 Fall Couture collection, this Ellie Saab gown embodies key elements that define the designer as well as the brand. The rich hue of the burgundy skirt sets the luxurious tone for the piece, while the fitted-yet-full approach of the silhouette enhances the hourglass shape that is a staple in Saab design. Floral appliqué over a sheer bodice is another favourite of the designer, and the execution of the intricate technique on this gown pays tribute to the romantic and feminine themes of the brand. The combination of textures and materials are contrasting, but seamlessly come together to create a harmonious look that is true to the brand. Elie Saab is known to celebrate the shape of a woman, and this dress does just that. Saab’s middle-eastern roots are noted in the mysterious elements of his designs, which deliver an allure that is as unique as this gown itself. The gown is opulent and striking – a perfect fit for a red carpet event.
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