Saab presented fairytale brides, silver foliage, midnight shadows Murad featured rich fabrics with beadwork, sequins, embroidery DUBAI: Lebanese designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad have wowed the fasion world with their fall and winter 2024 to 2025 collections, presented during Paris Haute Couture Week. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle Saab presented touches of magic and splendor for his guests which included Avril Lavigne and Ellie Goulding at Paris’ Musee des Arts Decoratifs. With silks and velvet, the Lebanese couturier once again conjured a fantastical, almost fairytale world of bridal queens, gleaming foliage and midnight shadows. This season, the fashion world also had another peek at couture for men, which is a growing phenomenon. The couturier’s fall collection was presented dramatically at midnight to elicit a dark mood. Models in black leather opera gloves and graphic bands of black satin set the tone. Men’s couture capes, part of Saab’s theme since fall 2022, were embroidered with sequins and gleaming threads, resembling silver foliage kissed by morning dew. Saab’s opulent men’s couture line continues to add a new dimension to his brand, catering to a market segment that craves visibility. In the predominantly women’s display, organza whooshes swirled artistly upward from the waist. As the show progressed, the color palette softened. In addition, tried-and-tested floor-length silhouettes dazzled in gemstone hues. A standout piece was a shoulderless gown in powder red, where sequins on the bodice morphed into a sea of feathers cascading down the mermaid-like skirt. The transformation of textures underscored Saab’s craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Murad’s collection — which was presented at Hotel Salomon De Rothschild — featured an array of rich fabrics including velvet, silk and lace, with each piece having meticulous beadwork, sequins and embroidery. The color palette was dramatic and sophisticated, dominated by blacks, deep reds, and metallic hues. The warmer tones of bronze and copper were also included. Silhouettes varied from dramatic, voluminous gowns to sleek, body-hugging dresses, featuring daring cutouts and necklines. Notable design elements include exaggerated shoulders, intricate draping, and asymmetrical details.