by Grace Gordon

Elie Saab knows the kind of woman we all secretly want to be. He knows the woman that turns heads on the streets of Manhattan – the haughty, well-bred, stunningly gorgeous one decked out in brave, sensual outfits. This is the woman he presents on his fall runway. The first few looks are the real killers: a fur chub over leather blouse paired with skintight pencil skirt, a simple black pantsuit, a shaggy fur coat, a cinched leather blazer – all matched with the confident stride and clean face of a beautiful model. This is the stuff that slinky, sexy fantasies are made of. Black, gray, wine, plum, and buff were the dominant colors on the Saab runway, but it was the fit and flow of garments that really stood out. Saab played up sensual details: a slice of thigh, a plunging neckline, a peek of hip. Strong shoulders brought balance to hourglass silhouettes, and sweeping fabrics brought movement and dimension to the collection. Keep an eye out for the shimmering gowns (especially that one-shoulder goddess number) on the red carpet next year. Envy-inspiring daywear and show-stopping eveningwear are Saab’s signatures, and here they get a dressed-down minimalist treatment that refines rather than restricts.