Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Camilla Cabello Perform At Elie Saab’s 1001 Seasons In Riyadh
Celine Dion and Elie Saab | Photo provided by Elie Saab
Halle Berry, Nancy Ajram, and Amr Diab also honor the renowned Lebanese designer for 45 years of his Couture craftsmanship
Last night was spectacular, a unique experience of sorts, where Saudi Arabia and the House of Elie Saab put on a fashion show steeped in entertainment, yet drenched in refined Couture craftsmanship. 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab it was called, celebrated 45 years of high creativity of the renowned designer, and it brought some of the biggest names in entertainment from Jennifer Lopez, to Camila Cabello, Nancy Ajram, Amr Diab, and Celine Dion.
The night was hosted by His Excellency Turki Bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Alshaikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and Mr. Elie Saab. Held at The Venue in Riyadh, it was the first event ever held at the arena. Wine color of maroon red drenched the red carpet and waiting areas. In what felt like an Oscars red carpet, of celebrities and interviews, the night was a hustle and bustle of excitement and energy. Over one- thousand people attended including regional and international entertainers from Egyptian legend Youssra, and Egyptian actresses Amina Khalil, Kinda Alloush, and Tara Emad. Syrian actress Sulafa Mimar, Italian actress Monica Bellucci, and American actress Kelly Rutherford were also in attendance. Celebrity stylist Law Roach was also in attendance.
Models Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Jourdan Dunn, Adriana Lima, Alek Wek, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Candice Swanepoel, Helena Christensen, Maria Carla Boscono, Eva Herzigova, and Poppy Delevingne were also there.
Halle Berry wearing the Elie Saab gown that she won Best Actress in for the 2002 Academy Awards | Photo provided by Elie Saab
The styling of the night was conceptualized by fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, while Blanca Li was behind the choreographed movements. Actress Halle Berry was recognized on stage, wearing her 2002 Oscar winning gown, of which she won Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball, and which Elie Saab designed. She gave a moving speech, sharing how the event was the first time she met Saab though she’s known him for 22 years.
Jennifer Lopez was the first performer to take the stage | Photo provided by Elie Saab
As looks descended down the runway, Jennifer Lopez made a dramatic entrance, perched on a swing hanging from the ceiling. Singing her top hits from On The Floor to Let’s Get Loud. Then Camila Cabello walked on stage in sparkling thigh high boots and a mini skirt with matching suit jacked singing Havana and Señorita. Both Amr Diab and Nancy Ajram brought Arab soul to the evening, but Celine Dion brought the arena to their feet with I’m Alive and The Power Of Love.
Saab then greeted Dion on stage and it was clear he was overcome with emotion and gratitude. All the night’s singers entered the stage and the event transitioned into a post-show reception.
Inspired by the Arab fairytale 1001 Nights, the evening was reinterpreted through a modern lens, meshing tradition with modern elegance. Through 300 looks, of which Saab created just for the evening, his sartorial storytelling is a nod to human creativity and the lengths his talent has and is taking him. He is the first Lebanese designer to breakout onto the world’s stage, making him a beacon of light to those who have come after him.