Elie Saab: Collection Pre-A-Porter Automne-Hiver 2009/2010

Back Stage with Elie Saab

Bahya Murad and Elie Saab

March 11, 2009.  Our last fashion show in Paris before returning to San Francisco.  We looked forward to another incredible day.  We had front row seats to attend the magestic Elie Saab Pre-A-Porter Fall-Winter  2009/2010 at Carrousel du Louvre-Salle Delorme.

Front Row: Carolyn Lee, Gayle Evans, Bahya Oumlil-Murad, KT and Mark Calvano

The atmosphere was divine and different from other shows.  The setting was minimalist and the attendance limited, especially when compared to the rest of fashion week. 

Elie Saab consistently highlights the red carpet.  The Lebanese designer show stopper was recently worn by A-lister Angelina Jolie at the 2009 Academy Awards.  In addition Emmanuelle Beart, Teri Hatcher, Elizabeth Hurley and Beyonce Knowles are among the list of celebrities wearing his collection.

   

In this show, Saab presented a remarkably clean collection which focused more on day wear and less on the  flashbulb magnets he normally creates, in a deliberate response to the current economic climate. 

The design elements included edgy numbers with form-fitting asymmetrical sheath dresses, high waisted skinny black trousers,  micro bolero with fur insert, single sleeve and sharp shoulders.  The collection was accessorized with strong geometric necklaces, cuffs and gloves.

Once again, Elie Saab presented an impeccable collection that was redirected to daily wear  and a versatile touch with less embroidery, but yet chic and glamorous a reminiscent of old Hollywood style.

Elie Saab

Among the attendees were Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing, Vietnamese born actress Linh Dan Pham, actresses Elsa Zylberstein, Laurence Ashley, fashion writer Susan Tabak and international luxury consultant and correspondent for Focus magazine Anne De Champigneul, just to mention a few. 

Actresses: Elsa Zylberstein, Laurence Ashley, Natacha Regnier

Lihn Dan Pham

Joel Goodrich, Carolyn Lee, Gayle Evans, Ken Downing

Bahya Oumlil-Murad, Karen Tamblyn and Mark Calvano

Back Stage: Bahya Oumlil-Murad, Gayle Evans, Mark Calvano

Carolyn Lee

Joel Goodrich (left)

Bahya Oumlil-Murad, Elie Saab Jr., Mark Calvano

At the end of the show, we had backstage VIP access where we were able to see all the chaos that comes along with a very exquisite show: models changing into more comfortable clothes, (models including Angela Lindvall, Coco Rocha and Carmen Kass) the frantic press trying to catch a word with Elie Saab as well as photographers and celebrities including French actress Laurence Ashley  and Natacha Regnier interacting with the fashion elite.  It was another successful show and another over the top collection from Elie Saab, chic and elegant.