The ELIE SAAB Autumn/Winter’19-20 Haute Couture collection finds a wealth of inspiration from China and East Asia, whose cultures are rich in symbolisms, drawings that have intrigued for centuries, and stories that have been passed down through generations. Elements highlighting nature, mystical creatures and divine characters sparked the curiosity of the designer, inspiring him to translate them into his very own art.
Using signature embroidery techniques and knowhow, ELIE SAAB reimagined mesmerizing traditional Chinese drawings, to create patterns in sequins, diamante and explosions of colour, that are the Maison’s abstract depictions of fauna and flora. Key elements believed to represent powerful protective spirits who watch over those who carry them, like guardian angels.
Throughout the collection, strong shapes and volumes are balanced out with softer fabrics, and plays on transparency, that also allow the vibrant and intricate embroidery to pop out, effortlessly drawing a timeless tale of goddesses from one piece to another.
Connoting wisdom and elegance, the crane appears as an elongated figure surrounded by floral shapes that adorn long, sleek and structured dresses that overlay tulle, tafta and feathers in plum, gold and powder pink.
Expressing a tougher attitude, the carp fuses with wave-like forms on more straight-cut silhouettes in black and gold, with large satin bows tied at the waist, and oversized sleeves that create powerful volume and movement.
The dragon makes its protective presence felt, adding a hint of mysteriousness to the woman who bares its forms, from ornate kimono-style jackets, to imperial red and jasmine pieces in rich combinations of velvet and satin.
The collection also puts emphasis on blown-up and fan-shaped shoulders, that allude to heavenly wings. Draped sleeves and capes that descend off-the-shoulder, leading into long trains that flow to the ground, create the illusion of angelic forms.
Imperial-inspired amulets, topped with a dragon, come in to further capture the essence of this faraway inspiration, along with golden accessories featuring leaves and feathers that are complemented with ruby-red, blue and emerald stones, taking the form of earrings and tri-circle crowns. The high heels are a combination of gold leather counters, divine velvet at the toe, and transparent, diamond-studded straps.
The elements masterfully portrayed and delicately stitched to every piece allow this ELIE SAAB Autumn/Winter’19-20 Haute Couture collection to draw from inspiration and imagination, to create its unique take on the undying mysteriousness of women. Women who shine in their softness and elegance, but who are also the embodiments of strength and power, inherited from their divine protectors.