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Elie Saab Channels Gothic Romance in his Dark 2014 Fall Couture Collection

Elie Saab Fall 2014 couture

Photos Courtesy of Elie Saab via Facebook

To say Elie Saab’s collections are made for the princesses of our imaginations is almost blatantly obvious at this point—so how else do you describe dreamy perfection? Elie Saab’s Couture Fall/Winter 2014 collection is caught somewhere between the darkness and romance of the Phantom of the Opera, and the glittering coldness of Frozen, and is nothing if not an opulent fairy tale. On a stage filled with candelabras cast against a backdrop of black with stone pillars rising up from the gloom, this collection feels heavier and more gothic than previous presentations. This season instead of focusing on lace patterns or flowing fabrics, Saab concentrated on excessive embellishments, favoring the Tahitian pearls that could be found on almost every gown.

Elie Saab Fall 2014 couture

The collection moved through the color scale like Sleeping Beauty’s ball gown, changing from icy blue to rose pinks and back again with the lighted candelabras reflecting the hue of the dresses on the runway. Playing with ombré shading that ranged from subtle blue tones to dramatic pinks and blues, allowed the collection to seem modern despite its princess-cut silhouettes and puffy skirts. Shading was also accomplished through beading, where pearls and crystals were scattered sporadically at the ends of the gown and came into a concentrated glittering mass at the waist.

Elie Saab Fall 2014 couture

Daywear was left out the collection entirely (which is fine—that’s not why we enjoy Elie Saab) and the focus was heavy on eveningwear and red-carpet designs—maybe a bridal gown or two if you’re willing to be lax on color. The gowns embroidered with cabochons, pearls, sequins and crystals flashed dangerously on silks, muslin and fur making for a collection that was rich and sumptuous while still maintaining its dark, mysterious undertones.

Elie Saab Fall 2014 couture

While models have been known to fumble every year on Saab’s runway (who wouldn’t with all those pearls kicking around your stilettos), the women in this show moved gracefully and with seemingly greater ease than in past seasons—there was only one small stumble (she didn’t even touch the ground!). The gowns were clearly heavy and flowed around their feet still making it difficult to walk, but no one hit the floor this season—and that's pretty much a win for any Saab model.

Elie Saab Fall 2014 coutureElie Saab Fall 2014 coutureElie Saab Fall 2014 coutureElie Saab Fall 2014 coutureElie Saab Fall 2014 coutureElie Saab Fall 2014 couture

Marissa Stempien

Marissa Stempien is a freelance writer and editor with a focus on travel, fashion, lifestyle, and culture. Her work has been featured in a number of print and online publications including ABC News, Popsugar, Huffington Post, JustLuxe, Luxury Living and CityGirlGoneMom. Marissa is an avid traveler and is always looking to visit somewhere new or unexplored. Her unique lifestyle has given way to her...(Read More)

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