Q+A entered the dream world of Elie Saab for his fall/winter 2011 couture showing, where the sky was lit with beads and crystals and the setting was draped in tulle, silk chiffon and lace. For 15 minutes, time stopped and a fairytale of femininity unfolded. We were mesmerized by the shimmering detail in the 41 looks that glided down the catwalk at the Place du Trocadero.

Saab played upon this idea of an “urban thought” and found inspiration from the “iridescence of the sun’s rays, city façades and skyscrapers” that illuminate our day-to-day lives with shimmering reflections in the context of “architectural lines, glass surfaces and glinting metal.”

From ballerina dresses to princess gowns, Sabb’s couture craftsmanship was instantly apparent in each garment’s construction. Lustrous velvet underscored the waist or was sprinkled across featherweight embroidery while bare-back gowns were enveloped by embroidered boleros so light and airy, as reminiscent of angelic wings. At times the embellishments were diffused and at other times encrusted like jewels all over the layers of lace and tulle.

Beauty and grace have always defined the Elie Saab brand and this fall/winter 11 couture season was no exception. At times the newness factor of the collection was overshadowed by gowns that were similar in colour and detail, but just cut in different lengths. However, Sabb is known for always doing a monochromatic series of dresses, which makes his runway show predictable. He’s capable of giving us both the drama and the production value in his show. Is it time for a change? We would have to agree so.