ELIE SAAB
If you're a fan of awards and other red carpet events, you've probably seen Elie Saab's work. This praised fashion designer and perfume enhancer is best known for his evening gowns, which are very popular with celebrities. It also designs ready-to-wear fashions and quirky accessories.
Born in Lebanon in 1964, Elie Saab is a kind of fashion prodigy. He became interested in tailoring at age 9, and armed with natural talent and determination, began making clothes for his sisters. He then sold his designs to women in the neighborhood. Even then, Saab understood how to highlight the feminine form and magnify femininity.
In 1982, at just 18 years old, the self-taught designer opened his haute couture design house in Beirut. Already considered a master dressmaker, he handled more than a dozen employees. Her first collection was a great success, and Elie Saab's designs soon became indispensable among high society women. The workshop remains in Beirut, although the designer opened a flagship store in Paris in 2007.
In 2011, the designer house Elie Saab partnered with perfumer Francis Kurkdjian to launch her first fragrance, Le Parfum, for women. Inspired by its unique haute couture fashions, the meticulously designed and ultra feminine aroma was submitted to 279 trial versions before being officially unveiled.
As of 2014, the brand offers at least eight fragrances, including Le Parfum Eau de Parfum Intense 2013 and L'Eau Couture 2014. Four essences were also introduced for men and women in 2014, including Rose, Gardenia, Ambre and Oud.