A classic romantic, Elie Saab is probably one of the most hopeless romantics in couture. The vision for his Spring couture collection is a focus on clean lines created by delicate fabrics, a difficult fete. This inspiration is reminiscent in his last Spring/Summer collection. Unfortunately we saw several of last seasons trends molded into this collection, like ruffles, organ pleated gowns and a lot of lace. One of the strongest statements from the collection are the color blocked and striped chiffon gowns. One of my favorites gowns in the opening section was a pale taupe silk crepe halter-top gown. The gown is layered with wide ruffles of silk crepe from the waist to the floor. The silk crepe is embroidered with a silver thread in channel design on the ruffles and silver floral embroidery and beading on the halter-top.

Saab is well known for his ability to incorporated color into his collection, while keeping to the basic primary colors of collection. Namely giving us white, red and metallic shades through out the collection. Another staple is the black dress and gown. This season Saab showed two show stopping black gowns. First was a black silk chiffon strapless gown. The bodice and the bottom of the gown covered with flowers made from the black silk chiffon and detailed with beading. The waist is finished with a black silk satin sachet. The other gown is a beaded black chiffon gown with the beaded fabric draped over one shoulder, across the bust and dropping under the arm. The gown appears to be hanging from the one shoulder. Gravity is certainly a theme for this gown!

The strongest statement for Saab in this collection is the color blacked and striped gowns. He printed the skirt of the gowns with stripes of black, gray and several pale colors. The first gown is a strapless gown; the bodice of the gown is wrapped horizontally with black chiffon. The bodice has a band of black crystals in single wide stripe. The skirt is double draped pale gray silk chiffon. The chiffon is printed with black and dark gray arch design, like a crescent moon. The look is finished with black taffeta shrug jacket. The second gown is another color-blocked evening gown. The bodice of the gown is done in black silk taffeta, gathered and draped over one shoulder. The skirt is two layers silk chiffon with a pinwheel print of black, pale blue and green. What is really lacking in this collection is vision for the future or future collections. Couture collections are supposed to be built off the idea of inspiring future seasons. In the late 90’s many envisioned or predicted the death of couture. As a result, several designers shifted their couture collections to appeal to a mass market. Saab is certainly a victim to this frame of design and couture is still thriving and become to obtainable. Some complain the spectacle of fashion shows today, others state its due to designers are designing for clients rather than providing inspiration.

View complete collection at Style.com

[images viaStyle.com]