VIVID PRACTICALITY
Paris: Although Elie Saab is known for his evening dresses and named his S/S 13 collection “Heiress,” what showed up on the runway was much more practical. Pleasingly wearable, these monochrome and office appropriate ensembles included slim pantsuits, structured sheath dresses and nipped waist jackets in punchy watermelon and cobalt. No nonsense tailoring flowed into younger full skirts in a fresh macramé and taffeta stripe, a pattern which popped up as flowing grosgrain ribbon embroidery outlining the curves of evening gowns. Nighttime was all about surface texture as the designer returned to his signature beaded and sequined luxury. Although his dresses were ornate, a saturated and energetic fruity palette maintained Saab’s momentum and played to fashion’s current thirst for color.—Nina Stotler
Silhouette: Slim & fitted / A-line / Nipped waist / Body conscious
Color: Cobalt / Turquoise / Blush nudes / Punchy watermelon / White / Black / Soft grey
Key Items: Slim trousers / Fluid silk blouses with balloon sleeves / Nipped waist jackets / Fitted sheaths / Lace evening gowns and cocktail dresses / Slim pantsuits / Full pleated skirts / Long sleeved body conscious dresses
Materials: Chiffon / Printed silk / Taffeta / Stretch gabardine / Macramé / Lace / Stretch Jersey
Print + Pattern: Abstract watercolor prints / Stripes
Details + Trim: Pleats / Balloon sleeves / Crisp peplums / Cutouts / Piecing / Grosgrain trim / Ribbon embroidery / Chiffon wings / Stiff ruffles / Sequins / Beading
Accessories + Footwear: Structured handbags / Strappy sandals / Oversized briefcase totes / Skinny leather belts
