He is one of the biggest names in fashion, but Elie Saab credits Halle Berry with his success.
This week, the Lebanese fashion designer spoke to Australian Vogue about becoming a household name and the many international celebrities who have worn his designs.
"Halle Berry made the name Elie Saab more popular … She managed to really put the name Elie Saab on the international market," he said, when asked which celebrities have worn his pieces and have left an impact on him.
"[That time] was a better time for cinema in general. [Halle Berry] was the first woman of colour [to win the Oscar] … It was elegant and daring and chic. I think this moment was a very exceptional moment for cinema," he added.
Berry wore one of his designs when she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002 for her role in Monster's Ball. The dress was a striking sheer-topped gown with embroidered detail and a full skirt.
Another notable name he pays tribute to is Queen Rania of Jordan, saying, "She is a woman who presents the women of our region. [She is] very pretty and very chic … worldwide. She has given women in the region an attitude that is very valuable.”
Queen Rania has a long history of wearing Elie Saab designs. She famously chose a gown by the Lebanese designer to the 1999 investiture of her husband, King Abdullah.
On July 19, Saab celebrated the wedding of his son, Elie Saab Jr, in Lebanon. The designer created the stunning gown his daughter-in-law, Christina Mourad, walked down the aisle in.
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Read more:
Stunning photos of Elie Saab Jr's lavish three-day wedding
Paris Haute Couture: Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad & Valentino - in pictures
Elie Saab’s 51 greatest red carpet gowns of all time – in pictures
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