Elie Saab's chrysalides and blossoms

Thursday, January 26, 2012 Posted by Nirit Sumeruk

It was one of those cold, drizzly and muddy days in Paris - perfect to slip on a pair of very high heels and head off to the Grand Palais to view Elie Saab's Haute Couture 2012 defilé - for a splash of warmth and feast of color to the wintery city.....

Dressed in black and shocking red, Vanina and I made our way through the usual hustle and bustle, snobbery and air-kisses that take place outside an A-list defilé, we pushed our way through the paparazzi and made our entrance of the palace doors....

The room was over-flowing with people that the only way to reach our seats, which happened to be right behind Vogue's international editor at large Hamish Bowels, was to literally climb over the fashion icon - yes it was a very graceful experience....

Proof is in the pudding....Hamish is in front of us wearing the glasses....

And to our right in a purple dress was Oscar hopeful French actress Berenice Bejo - I bet she was pondering what to wear to the Oscars?

After former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko was done posing for the cameras, the show finally started....(by the way, that is Ines de la Fressange dressed as a "photographer" taking Olga's photo...)

And out blossomed Spring in the most Saablime gowns in shades of fresh rose, angevin blue, creamy yellow, silvery white and nasturtium... A real treat to take in as Elie Saab presented a collection dripping with silk tulle, crystallized tulle flowers, lace petals, beading and embroidery....

Needless to say, the bridal gown was just magnificent - without lace or transparancy just "the bride herself enveloped in a bouquet sprinkled with dew"....
Saab's inspiration for this collection? Fairytales! ....dreamy yet dazzling ones though!