4.2. Elie Saab SS11

The allusion is to the movie 'The Book of Eli'

I first became aware of Elie Saab when Halle Berry wore that stunning gown to the 2002 Oscars as must have so many others...  That was 'THE' moment that put him on the map....Elie Saab is the go-to-guy for celebrities...His garments are fail safe 'Red Carpet' material...It's what I like to call Comfort Couture.

The gowns and dresses (always gowns and dresses) were heavy on surface ornamentation, lace, embroidery and draping.... all Saab signature elements...

Nude being the colour of the season opened the show and was followed up with another half dozen gowns in the same... ivory and black dominated rest of the collection with pastel touches of lavender, pale green, a floral print and bright almost Valentino...the look being very sweet and demure almost confectionery...a strong contrast to fall couture show, which was bold and bright.

Saab's major chunk of clients is from the Middle East and like Indians beautifully embroidered evening wear in reams and reams of tulle and organza laden with beads and crystal is preferred over concept couture...And these fairytale dresses were as pretty as they come.

Since last season he has upped the neckline almost to the chin and stripped the back into the spotlight... It's a trend that has been profoundly noticed in evening wear....Look at the recently concluded Golden Globes...the back was the centre of attraction. 

I think the back holds more... much more mystery and potential...than any amount of cleavage show... a well toned back has just as seductive curves as our fronts... it's a much cheekier way to show some skin.

What absolutely won me over were the shoes...give me lace and stilettos and u won't have to give me much else.... Just water and cupcakes.

 J'adore the black ones...

The bride enters last...and this bride was swathed in layers and layers of tulle, organza, lace and flowers....like Miss Havisham...but yet to be betrayed...

All in all the collection was all prettiness and sweetness... if you're searching for a statement... Don't. 

Elie Saab is strictly for the glamouratti and not the literati..

It's not such a bad thing though, the majority prefer over-the-top, beautiful, wearable couture over over-the-top concept creations...and if it's done so beautifully and gets the clientele 

(which is dwindling for couture everywhere as reports predict)....Well, who's complaining?

P.s. from bottom to top

And to conclude....Elie Saab and 'Medicina Rossa' by Alberto Seveso play side by side simultaneously....

Photo courtesy Style.com

Photoshopped and formatted by me