Lebanese designer Elie Saab marked an impressive 45 years in the fashion industry with a spectacular showcase titled “The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The grand event was part of the Riyadh Season, a cultural initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at boosting tourism through entertainment.
The milestone celebration featured a dazzling display of 300 of Saab’s iconic creations, complemented by star-studded performances from global and Arab artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Amr Diab, and Nancy Ajram. Over 1,000 guests attended the event, cementing it as a high-profile affair.
However, the timing of the celebration sparked controversy online. While some praised the event as a tribute to Lebanese artistry, others criticized it as tone-deaf, given the ongoing wars in Lebanon and Gaza, where civilians are enduring violence and deprivation. Many questioned the ethics of hosting such an opulent affair amidst the region’s ongoing turmoil.
When questioned about hosting the event during ongoing conflicts, Elie Saab expressed deep frustration and sorrow. He acknowledged the emotional weight of celebrating such a milestone while Lebanon faces hardship, saying, “The pain today was holding this event while our country is in such a state.” Reflecting on his career, he noted that this wasn’t the first time his work coincided with turmoil, recalling his debut show in 1982 during Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.
Saab admitted he had considered postponing the event but explained that logistical commitments made such a decision nearly impossible. “With everything involved in what you saw, it would have been very difficult,” he shared.
Titled “The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” the event was a feast for the senses—exquisite couture, electrifying performances, and a star-studded audience. It was everything you’d expect from a designer of Saab’s caliber: a display of artistry and resilience.
However, one can’t help but note that those who called out the timing of the show set against a region grappling with ceaseless devastation, had enough reason to protest. Saab had a rare platform, an audience of the world’s elite, and a global stage to highlight the plight of his people and neighbors. Yet, the spotlight stayed fixed on gowns, glitter, and celebrity performances, while the cries of thousands went unheard.
Lebanon, Saab’s homeland, and neighboring Palestine are caught in relentless cycles of violence. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have claimed over 3,500 Lebanese lives, injured more than 15,000, and displaced countless others. In Gaza, the numbers are staggering: over 43,000 Palestinians killed and over 100,000 injured. These are not mere statistics—they represent communities devastated, futures erased, and grief beyond measure.
Saab’s frustration over hosting the event during such turmoil was palpable in his statement: “Honestly, the only pain today was holding this event when our country is in such a state.” He even reflected on his debut in 1982 during another Israeli invasion of Lebanon, a grim reminder of how history continues to repeat itself. Yet, what was missing was an acknowledgment of the weight of his influence—a realization that silence, too, is a statement, and in today’s geo-political climate, perhaps the wrong one.
This isn’t to diminish Saab’s achievements or suggest he abandon his craft in favor of activism. But fashion, like any art, is deeply rooted in storytelling. It is a reflection of the times, a commentary on our shared humanity. And in a moment when the cries of the oppressed risk being drowned out by indifference, staying silent is a missed opportunity—one that carries the weight of complicity.
Imagine if Saab had dedicated his show to the resilience of the Lebanese and Palestinian people. Imagine if his glittering gowns carried symbols of resistance, his runway echoing with tributes to those fighting for survival. What if the event had included a moment of silence for the thousands lost? Would that have diminished his artistry? Or was there a reason he stayed away from the controversy?
Or, perhaps, the silence spoke louder than words, and it just did not make ‘business sense’ to antagonize a part of his clientele who might not agree with his stance?
Elie Saab will always be celebrated as a master of his craft. But this moment could have been so much more than an anniversary – because, we’d all agree with the times we live in, that there is no greater masterpiece than standing for what is right.
