‘1001 Seasons’: Glitter, glamour, A-listers center stage at Elie Saab Riyadh show

Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s fashion show in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh on Wednesday enchanted the audience and brought Arab and global A-listers together to celebrate decades of glam presented by the iconic designer.

Elie Saab (C) in surrounded by Camila Cabello, Celine Dion (L) and Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry (R). (X)

The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab event that was held as part of the 2024 Riyadh Season was a beautiful melange of fashion and music that saw icons such as Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Monica Bellucci, Nancy Ajram, Amr Diab, Yusra and many others in attendance.

Guests arrive as the logo of ‘The 1001 Season of ELIE SAAB’ is pictured at the red carpet ahead of a fashion show celebrating the Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab’s 45 year career as part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 13, 2024.

General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Turki Al al-Shikh said that he was proud that an Arab like Saab has reached the level he’s in now.

A model displays the latest collection of Lebanese fashion designer, Elie Saab, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 13, 2024.

“Honestly, I am proud that an Arab person has reached this place,” al-Shikh said, adding that he is now thinking about next year’s show.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki al-Sheikh arrives at the red carpet ahead of ‘The 1001 Season of ELIE SAAB’ fashion show celebrating the Lebanese fashion designer Saab’s 45-year fashion career as part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 13, 2024.

“I am now discussing with Elie Jr [Saab’s son] next year’s event.”

Wednesday night’s show, which paid homage to the One Thousand and One Nights tales, featured 300 gowns and was also a celebration of Saab’s 45 years in the fashion industry.

A model displays the latest collection of Lebanese fashion designer, Elie Saab, during the The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab fashion show celebrating the fashion designer’s 45-year fashion career, as part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 13, 2024.

The event kicked off with a moment for the books when Hollywood actress Halle Berry walked the runway wearing a stunning burgundy dress, the same gown she wore when she made history back in 2002 with her a Best Actress Oscars award.

Actor Halle Berry presents a creation from the collection of Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab during the ‘The 1001 Season of ELIE SAAB’ fashion show celebrating the fashion designer Saab’s 45-year fashion career, as part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 13, 2024.

It was then time for the musical performances that gave a twist to the classic fashion shows.

Actor and singer Jennifer Lopez performs during the Elie Saab fashion show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 13, 2024.

Kicking off the performances was none other than JLO, who sang some of her hits as the top models showcased the glitter and glamour of Saab’s designs.

Afterwards singer Camila Cabello took to the stage as the models donned gowns which were “an ode to the female figure.”

Lebanese star Ajram and Egypt’s own, Diab, also graced the stage in separate performances.

Lebanese singer, Nancy Ajram performs during the The 1001 Season of Elie Saab fashion show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 13, 2024.

The closing ceremony of the event was by Dion, who put on an electric performance that featured some Middle Eastern tunes. The models showcased Saab’s storytelling creations inspired and rooted in heritage.