In a dazzling display of fashion, music, and cultural celebration, “The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” fashion show took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone for the Lebanese fashion maestro’s 45th anniversary. This event, held as part of the Riyadh Season 2024, was not just a testament to Elie Saab’s enduring legacy but also a bold fusion of Arabian heritage with contemporary fashion artistry.

The 1001 Season of Elie Saab Main Highlights pic.twitter.com/04M7pL4jyY

— Fashion Herald (@FashionHerald) November 20, 2024

A Star-Studded Affair

The evening was a spectacle attended by over a thousand guests, including international celebrities, fashion icons, and cultural figures. The front row was graced by personalities like Halle Berry, who chose to re-wear her iconic 2002 Oscar-winning red dress by Elie Saab, highlighting the timeless appeal of Saab’s designs. Other notable attendees included Monica Bellucci, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Kelly Rutherford, each adorned in Elie Saab’s luxurious creations.

Fashion and Entertainment Convergence

Elie Saab’s vision for this event was to bridge the worlds of fashion and entertainment, and he achieved this with a runway show that featured over 300 looks. The collection, named the Riyadh Season Collection Fall 2025, drew inspiration from the classic Arab tales of “One Thousand and One Nights,” reinterpreted through Saab’s signature blend of opulence and elegance. The styling was meticulously curated by Carine Roitfeld, whose bold aesthetic added a contemporary flair to the designs.

Memorable Performances

The show was not only about fashion; it was also a musical extravaganza. International stars like Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, Nancy Ajram, and Amr Diab graced the stage, providing live performances that complemented the thematic journey of the evening. Dion’s performance, in particular, moved the audience with renditions of “The Power of Love” and “I’m Alive,” creating an emotional crescendo to the night’s festivities.

Cultural Significance

This event underscored the cultural evolution of Saudi Arabia, showcasing its ambition to become a global hub for entertainment and fashion. Elie Saab, who has historical ties with the region, used this platform to highlight the modern Saudi woman’s fashion sense, often underrepresented in international media. The event was a clear message of cultural transformation, emphasizing the Kingdom’s steps towards openness and its promotion of tourism and cultural exchange.

This fashion show was more than an anniversary celebration; it was a cultural spectacle that intertwined tradition with innovation. Elie Saab’s 1001 seasons event in Riyadh will be remembered not only for the glamour of its fashion but for its role in narrating a story of cultural confluence and the universal language of beauty and creativity. In an evening where every element was curated to perfection, Elie Saab once again proved why his name is synonymous with luxury, elegance, and the poetic blend of East and West.