Elie Saab SS16 Ready-to-Wear

Elie Saab is a designer much-loved for his couture pieces - gorgeous embellished formal gowns fit for a princess - but there was something about his spring/summer 16 ready-to-wear collection that was different yet caught my eye during Paris Fashion Week and made me appreciate his designs even more, hence why I decided to dedicate an entire post to his show rather than doing an overview similar to my NYFW post.

Moving slightly away from his signature red carpet-friendly style, Saab presented a bolder yet more wearable collection for spring/summer with the modern-day woman in mind. The mention of the vivid colours (pinks, blues, greens, and reds) used could be enough to scare those who embrace minimalism away, but contrasting these hues against a substantial amount of monochrome assures that the collection isn't just for those with a colour palette that involves every shade of the rainbow. His take on floral print isn't one that would be dismissed by The Devil Wears Prada's Miranda Priestly either. Choosing to pair it with the classic stripe or adding a black trim to the garment is a winning combination ensuring that the florals are not too girly, but instead fresh and grown-up. Sound too stereotypically feminine for you? Despite the ruffles, lace, and light and floaty silhouettes, the collection also had a sporty vibe about it achieved by the colour blocking, bomber jackets, and a pair of jogger-style trousers with vertical stripes down the sides. If you're one for a more androgynous style of dress then you also won't be disappointed, the lace trousers should be right up your street.

If you're already a fan of Elie Saab and prefer his usual aesthetic that's no reason to dislike this collection. Though some pieces are more suitable for everyday than his usual offerings, the garments are still easily transformed from day-to-night and his signature embellishment can be seen on a number of pieces from a pink mini dress to a black full-length sheer-skirted gown. My favourites are probably the plunge neck floral print maxi, the striped waistcoat paired with a black ruffle skirt, and Gigi Hadid's bomber jacket and lace dress combination though. 

Although Saab's spring/summer collection is different from what the designer is known for, he hasn't strayed too far away from his roots and I personally loved it. It's definitely amongst my top 5 shows from this season - I think it's safe to say I've clearly become infatuated with colour recently. If I could be anybody I wanted for spring/summer, I'd be an Elie Saab girl - but, then again, who wouldn't?