The Beirut-born couture house is bringing its gowns, lace and sequins to the high street, and the campaign rolls out the red carpet through Paris.
H&M’s next designer collaboration lands on 22 October, and it’s one of its most glamorous yet. ELIE SAAB, the couture house founded in Beirut in the early 1980s and famous for red-carpet eveningwear, has designed a 54-piece collection for women and men, available online and in selected H&M stores.
THE HOUSE
From Beirut to Paris
Elie Saab founded his label in Beirut and went on to become one of the first international members of France’s Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Today the house also makes ready-to-wear and accessories, but its name is still tied to the red carpet. Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s creative advisor and head of design for womenswear, called the journey from Beirut to Paris “an amazing, rich story.”
“We are thrilled to announce this landmark collaboration with Elie Saab.”
— Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M
THE COLLECTION
A Complete Wardrobe
The collection runs from embellished gowns and shimmering separates to sharp tailoring, with accessories and footwear. The house’s signatures are throughout: fine lace, gradient sequins and Elie Saab monograms.
“We are thrilled to announce this landmark collaboration with Elie Saab.”
— Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M
Highlights include a strapless black gown with an oversized bow and train, a sequinned dress that fades from gold to black, and a sweeping emerald gown. Tailoring is just as strong: a sequinned tuxedo jacket worn over a white pussy-bow blouse, double-breasted suits and a long black coat.
“You need a shirt, you have it; you need a cape, you have it; a coat? You have it.”
— Elie Saab
THE ACCESSORIES
The Finishing Touches
The accessories carry the same glamour: chandelier earrings, a black rose choker, long lace gloves, monogrammed silk scarves, a croc-effect shoulder bag, and slingback flats and platform sandals.
THE CAMPAIGN
A Red Carpet Through Paris
The campaign, starring model Imaan Hammam, lays a red carpet across Paris streets and along the Seine, turning the city into a runway for the collection’s evening looks.
On 28 September, H&M and ELIE SAAB also revealed a bridal look at an event at the Palais Brongniart in Paris: a mermaid gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a dramatic train, worn with a hand-embroidered veil. Robin S performed, and guests included Anok Yai, Iris Law, Lila Moss and Imaan Hammam.
THE PRICES
What It Costs
In the US, prices start at $39.99 for a choker and go up to $429 for a leather jacket. Dresses range from $139 to $379, and blazers from $269 to $329. UK prices haven’t been confirmed yet.
“This collection is created for all who admire the world of ELIE SAAB.”
— Elie Saab
Credits: All images courtesy of H&M