In a night that merged creativity, artistry, and cultural homage, the “1001 Seasons of ELIE SAAB” dazzled as one of the headline acts of Riyadh Season.
Jennifer Lopez performing at the event in Riyadh
Hosted by His Excellency Turki Bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Alshaikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, and Elie Saab himself, the event marked a significant 45th anniversary for the iconic fashion house, leaving attendees in awe with a fusion of fashion, global celebrity performances, and inspired choreography.
Styled by renowned fashion visionary Carine Roitfeld, the show unfolded with over 300 looks, each channelling Saab’s refined craftsmanship through a reimagined narrative of Arabian heritage and elegance.
Halle Berry in a showstopping moment on stage
The evening drew an audience of over a thousand friends of the house, from Hollywood legends like Halle Berry and Monica Bellucci to supermodels such as Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel, as well as pop icons Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, and Celine Dion.
Nancy Ajram performing some of her much-loved Arabic hits
The evening saw dynamic performances, notably from music superstars Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Camila Cabello, whose electrifying sets perfectly paralleled the evening’s thematic splendour. Middle Eastern icons Nancy Ajram and Amr Diab also performed some of their most popular hits in Arabic, underscoring the fusion of cultures and shared artistry between East and West.
Celine Dion put on a spectacular performance to close the show.
Choreographer Blanca Li’s artistic direction integrated movement and fashion in a seamless dance that blurred the boundaries between runway and performance art. The show was broadcast across MBC and global streaming platforms allowing audiences worldwide to watch, while also solidifying Riyadh’s rising reputation as a hub for global fashion.
A heartfelt embrace between Celine Dion and Elie Saab during the show’s finale.
“The 1001 Seasons of ELIE SAAB” remains not only a testament to Elie Saab’s storied legacy in haute couture but also a vivid celebration of his ability to infuse timeless elegance with contemporary vision, embodying the essence of a truly global luxury brand.
