If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise. From structured silhouettes in sombre black to fitted figures in forest green, Middle Eastern designer Elie Saab presented a warrior woman with a sinister soul in Paris’ Espace Ephémère Tuileries today.
By Susan Devaney
Marching to the beat of Twothousandandnine by DJ Saint Paul’s drum, models entered the flora and fauna of Saab’s frightening forest. With an opening from model and muse Karlie Kloss in military-esque attire the mood was set. From head to toe silhouettes were decked out in all black – mirroring the blacked out venue itself. Never before has Saab played so heavily with the shade.
Moving from black to peacock blue, laser-cut forestial detail shimmered across dresses. Saab typically dabbled with nipped-in waists and accentuated hips (always catering for his most prized customers). Tweed coats with gilded buttons and long leather gloves added an element of a woman of fine regiment to many a design.
As branches grew into bare lace inserts down shirtsleeves, Saab took us deeper into the woods. It wasn’t only Saab’s designs that were making noise as the screeching vocals of Sweet Dreams by Marilyn Manson echoed. Embroidered leaves and sheer inserts panelled down dresses gave a sense of mystery. Positioned on every seat the show notes read: ‘the forest envelopes her, lovely, dark and deep. It reveals her natural form, with a grace and allure that’s gentle and fine. She is awakened.’
We went down to the woods today and Saab more than surprised us.
