The Art of Embroidery At Elie Saab
You can always rely on Elie Saab to bring a dazzling collection at any couture week in Paris. The Lebanese designer, the first to be admitted to the fashion industry's governing body, Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, consistently creates the most magical of gowns that shimmer and shine. While his last couture collection was full of fiery reds and jewel tones, the collection shown today in front of an adoring audience took on mostly neutral shades with the odd baby blue or blush pink thrown in for good measure. Making a light beige gown stand out is, as one would expect, a challenging task but, for Elie Saab, there is always one element to rely on to bring every good look to life - embroidery.
Elie Saab SS23 Couture.
Fillipo Fior.
Elie Saab SS23 Couture.
Fillipo Fior.
While remaining with the lengthening and ballgown silhouettes that define the brand’s identity, Saab’s signature embroidery made an appearance on almost every ensemble. From large-scale patterns reminiscent of doilies (a good thing in this example) to hundreds upon hundreds of sequins, one would never tire of looking up close at these items of clothing that exceed fashion. They become art pieces. Whilst some haute couture items are created with the aid of a high-quality sewing machine, embroidery will always be done by hand. Carefully attaching intricate beads, sequins and threads to expensive and precious materials takes thousands of hours and, rightly so, the prices of these items make one’s eye ducts tremble. A collection made of 69 looks, culminating in the most extravagant bridal look, with so much attention to detail brings the art of embroidery, and other delicate handcrafts, to the forefront of the fashion industry. While Elie Saab himself deserves to be lauded for his designs, his embroidery team deserves just as much praise for their tiresome and dedicated work that often goes unnoticed.
