Elie Saab

Who is Elie Saab?
Elie Saab, sometimes known simply as ES, is a self-taught Lebanese fashion designer. Elie was born in 1964 and is the eldest of 5 children. His passion and inspiration for fashion came at the tender young age of 9, when he would create his own patterns out of scrap newspaper and search through his mother's clothes for unwanted, fine materials. Elie started off making clothes for his sisters before his interests grew further. Before long, Elie was marketing and selling his unique designs to the women in his neighbourhood. After a brief stint in Paris in 1981 to study fashion, Saab returned home to Beirut.

First door, first store
In 1982 when most youths his age would be more interested in chasing girls or fighting in the Lebanese Civil War, Elie Saab, aged 18 opened his first couture atelier (high fashion workroom) in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Elie managed over a dozen employees at his store.
This was a huge achievement not only because of his tender young age but because of the ongoing political unrest in Lebanon at the time. It was also a huge risk, being in the middle of a war, with Israel choosing to invade and launch bomb raids on Beirut.
Demand for Elie’s designs grew and within a few months of opening, he presented his first collection. Saab’s unique talent was recognized immediately and his collection was met with overwhelming positive feedback.
Soon, through word of mouth, his reputation spread outside the borders of Beirut. Wealthy, society-prominent women soon took notice, demanding unique creations.

Take Centre Stage
In 2000, almost 20 years after opening his first boutique, Saab was invited to showcase 4 collections per year in Paris.  This was significant as Saab was being recognized on a global scale. In 2007, demand was such that he opened a boutique in Paris, in the heart of the finest boutiques.

Inspiration and Growth
A love of his home, Beirut, remains an inspiration for Saab’s designs. This is reflected in the existence of the 1982 boutique, albeit with some modern business renovations completed in recent years. This includes fitting out the building so that the entire business is under one roof, from his studio all the way to his ready-to-wear boutique.
Today, Elie Saab has 60 boutiques around the world, with his designs marketed and sold in 22 countries.