Daily Front Row

2009 March 12

Elie Saab - Paris Fall 2009

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Elie Saab Fall 2009
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(PARIS) The Lebanese designer is the ultimate master of photogenic red carpet showstoppers, so it was surprising to see a show in which only about five to seven gowns were made for the flashbulbs. Instead, Saab focused primarily on daywear and the needs of his affluent international consumers. Those strong looks included a variety of two-tone silhouettes for jackets, pants, and well-tailored skirts. The day looks were often embellished with sparkle or luxe furs and geometric necklaces. Nearly every huge model currently in Paris walked the show--and looked a bit older than her age, as the show was clearly designed to please the sophisticated Saab follower with a deep wallet and a summerhouse in the Southern Riviera. But the message by Saab was clear: for a Cannes premiere or the Oscars customers can pick his couture, and for a restaurant date with their husband, they now have his ready-to-wear.