Elie Saab

Elie Saab might be known for his gorgeous red carpet gowns, but for Spring '13, the designer also showed off his penchant for daywear. The show opened up with an array of sleek work appropriate trousers, tailored blazers, silk blouses, and sleek sheath dresses fit for the working "heiress" he had in mind. Bold, abstract prints came into play, highlighting highlighting billowy dresses and gowns, some of which featured modern ribbon detailing. And like any working heiress (Saab mentioned artists and bloggers in his show notes), a day is not complete without attending a few glamorous parties and events. Thus, he provided red carpet worthy options with a bevy of gorgeous sheer lace gowns, one of which showcased a high slit juxtaposed against a sheer collared top, and beaded minidresses.

• Trends: Blue hues, sheer layers, sparkle/shine, lace.
• Colors: Cobalt blue, dusty pink, red, black, white.
• Key Piece: The dark cobalt blue gown with the sheer lace top was beautiful.
• Accessories: Ankle strap sandals, leather satchel bags, structured crossover bags.
• Who Should Wear It: Ladies who love the sparkle and lace like Keira Knightley and Zoe Saldana.

Lebanese designer Elie Saab was feeling monochromatic for the Spring 2013 season. He sent down a bevy of all-blue, head-to-toe turquoise, and entirely blush looks in all silhouettes and styles: dresses, silk blouses with trousers, shorts suits. Each look even came with its own matching bag. But after a matchy matchy start, Saab switched things up with a handful of colorful printed pieces that lit up the catwalk. Then it was more monochromatic styles in red, black, and white before the designer finished strong with what he's best known for: dramatic, jaw-dropping, red carpet-worthy gowns.

Though they were by turns intricately embroidered and heavily beaded, many of the Turkish-inspired garments in Elie Saab's Fall 2012 Couture offering looked light as air when they came down the runway in Paris this week. Saab said he focused on "infusing the collection with imperial splendor," so all 46 looks were of the same high-glamour, sparkly ilk that has made Saab a red-carpet staple. The almost ephemeral quality of many of these dresses and gowns came from their materials: sheer fabrics played host to rich embellishments, like Ottoman Empire motifs and fabric treatments that looked like gold leaf from afar. But Saab brought the collection back down to the ground with dresses in solid fabrics, too, which he decorated with the same expert hand he applied to the other breezy fabrics that floated down the runway.

Elie Saab's Fall 2012 Couture collection was nothing short of a red carpet affair. By “infusing the collection with imperial splendor,” Elie's Constantinople era-inspired collection was filled to the brim with a decadent beading and lace awash in pretty hues of pale pink, gold, nude, and even a few pops of teal. The show kicked off with a line of dramatic, shimmery black gowns (led by model-of-the-moment Karlie Kloss) followed by a pretty regalia of softer hues, some of which highlighted cocktail appropriate knee-length dresses. Fancier eveningwear showed intricate sheer lace detailing, high slits, and luxurious embroidery. We already predict a bevy of A-listers anxiously waiting for their next red carpet premiere just for a piece of this glamorous collection.

• Trends: Lace, sheer detailing, and high slits
• Colors: Black, nude, pink, light blue, teal, and gold
• Key piece: The gold lace column gown worn by Karlie Kloss hits all notes of perfection.
• Accessories: Skinny belts, black, gold, and light blue sandals
• Who would wear it: Red carpet stunners like Zoe Saldana, Emma Stone, and Gwyneth Paltrow