Daily Front Row

2008 July 2

Elie Saab - Paris Couture Fall 2008

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Elie Saab Couture Fall 2008
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(PARIS) Elie Saab is the best-selling couturier in the world, and at Tuesday's presentation of his latest collection, it showed. Saab's evening gowns appeal strictly to statement-making women, but his shapes are often devoid of the nifty tricks, tucks and turns that make, say, a Gaultier a Gaultier. For being such an accomplished couturier, Saab understands the allure of what are all too often deemed "commercial" looks to his clients. "Always, I must respect the shape of the woman," he said before Tuesday's show at the Hotel Intercontinental. "After that, I try to have an inspiration." The 50 looks Saab sent down the runway were heavy on the ball gowns and heavier on the frippery. The sexiest dresses played with transparency—lace hosiery underneath a sheer chiffon skirt, a flesh-toned frock with an underskirt laden with gold appliqué flowers. Two standout cocktail frocks—the sole nod to that beloved ritual—were beyond bejeweled. "For me, the beauty of seeing the character and presence of the woman is the most important thing," Saab continued. In these clothes, those are nearly impossible to miss.