“I was walking down the Trocadero stairs wearing Elie Saab. You were in a tux waiting at the bottom of the steps while the Eiffel tower sparkled in the background”. I was explaining my dream from the previous night to Nisar. “What is an Elie Saab?”, he asked from behind his laptop. If it were a few years ago, I’d sit and explain to him all about the enchanting designer and his whimsical collection (which I’d definitely trade Nisar for). But having been with him for 10 years, I know better than to think that my husband would be interested in any of that.
Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad are two of my favourite artists in the world of Haute Couture. I call them artists because what they create is more than just a piece of clothing, it’s mesmerising art. From flowy dresses that make you look like an angel to fierce gowns fit for an Egyptian Goddess, their work in Haute Couture is unparalleled. While browsing through the recent collection of the designers, a thought struck my mind. What if they designed kids couture? What would Haute couture for girls collection look like? Will it be playful or sophisticated? Here are my two cents on it!
Zuhair Murad
When I think of Zuhair Murad’s collection, two words strike my mind- Feminine and angelic.
- Whimsical- Zuhair Murad is popular for creating ethereal gowns that always seem to have a magical aura about them. Imagine flowy fabrics in pastels, white, and gold with delicate appliques all over the dress. The little models will probably walk the ramp with delicate headpieces that are just as magical as the dresses.
- Intricate embroidery- Almost all the pieces from Zuhair Murad’s collection consists of intricate embroidery. But it is not just the embroidery that adds to the exquisite look of these dresses, it’s the embellishments on the embroidery layered on sheer fabric that makes it stand out. For kids, I’m sure there would be a lot of floral embroidery with some sequins and sparkles incorporated.
Elie Saab
You don’t have to wonder what an Elie Saab kids couture collection would look like since the designer showcased a ‘Mom and me’ segment in the 2016 fall couture collection. Children walked the runway along with the models in matching gowns. So what did the gowns look like? Were they any different than Elie Saab’s signature style that’s feminine yet fierce with intricate beading and floor-sweeping silhouettes? Yes and no!
Picture credit: Elie Saab/Pinterest
- Rich fabrics- One thing that remained consistent here was the rich fabric. Most of the Elie Saab gowns are based on velvet, taffeta, organza, and satin. This collection was based on the same fabrics.
- Exquisite embellishments and Filigree- The collection also included the exquisite embellishments such as pearls, crystals, and threads which is a signature style of the designer. There is a reason these gowns cost a kidney and a half!
- Prints- Something that was a bit of a surprise in this collection were the prints. While the designer’s haute couture collection is known for its elegant beading and embroidery, this collection was a bit different. One pair included bird prints on a pale blue skirt with a black velvet bodice. The other had intricate embroidery of flowers and a blackbird. Surprisingly, Elie Saab managed to make these basic prints look elegant and exquisite.
I do hope the designers will launch a collection for haute couture for girls one day. Not that I will ever be able to afford it, but just so we get to witness mini creations of their breathtaking art. Also, Nasir, if you are reading this, I was joking about trading you for Elie Saab’s collection!
