“I’m a huge fan of Meryl Streep,” remarked renowned designer Elie Saab backstage at his Spring 2025 fashion show, encapsulating the widespread admiration that many hold for the iconic actress.
The admiration is mutual. Streep made headlines when she donned a stunning Elie Saab creation at the Oscars in 2017, further expressing her profound respect and admiration for his artistry. Saab shared that his inspiration for this season stemmed from a recent rewatch of one of Streep’s most celebrated films, the 1985 Best Picture winner “Out of Africa,” infusing the collection with nostalgia and appreciation for Streep’s unique style.
This season, Saab embraced a safari-inspired aesthetic, introducing an overall sporty vibe that marked a departure from his previous work. “These colors feel liberating to me,” he expressed, indicating a shift in his design philosophy.
In a bold move, he opted to steer clear of the conventional black palette, embracing a rich dark khaki green as his foundational neutral. This choice was complemented by vibrant pops of deep brick red and delicate dusty rose, while a subtle micro leopard print added texture without overwhelming the aesthetic.
Saab ventured into new territory by experimenting with innovative textures and fabrics, incorporating raffia into his dresses, skirts, and tops. He also showcased softer waffle weave knits in streamlined silhouettes adorned with floral appliqués, along with chic shorts, bikini tops, and stylish cardigans, creating a diverse range of looks for the modern woman.
The collection showcased Saab’s artistic flair as he played with palm frond shapes, using embroidery and sequins to elevate his designs. To further enhance the tropical theme, the runway was adorned with real palms and vines, offering a striking contrast to the contemporary architecture of the Palais de Tokyo.
Flowing, soft S-curve shaped dresses in lighter fabrics served as a nod to the elegance and grace of Streep’s wardrobe in “Out of Africa.” However, he balanced this nod to nostalgia with a commitment to modernity, as dresses and jumpsuits were tailored to cinch at the waist, accentuating the feminine silhouette. Daywear took center stage, featuring bandeaus, crop tops, and corsets paired elegantly with tailored trousers or full skirts.
Raffia details adorned trendy totes and beach-ready bucket hats, while Saab once again reinvented his monogram, integrating it into a striking metal collar that provided a dramatic anchor for one of his gowns. Additionally, bold brass cuffs and chunky accessories were artfully used to contrast with the delicate nature of many sheer fabrics in the collection.
Saab’s free-spirited approach to this collection highlighted his lighter touch, showcasing his creativity as he gears up for an exciting fashion show and entertainment extravaganza scheduled for Riyadh Season on November 13.
