Few names in fashion carry the same quiet authority as Elie Saab. His designs signal elegance without shouting, whether for a bridal gown or a red-carpet moment.
Born: 1964 ·
Nationality: Lebanese ·
Known for: Haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion ·
First fragrance launched: 2011 ·
Celebrity clientele: Numerous A-list actresses and royals
Quick snapshot
- Born 4 July 1964 in Damour, Lebanon (Wikipedia)
- Founded atelier in Beirut in 1982 (Elie Saab official website)
- Married to Claudine Saab since 1990 (Gala)
- Member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture since 2003 (Wikipedia Bahasa Indonesia)
- Exact net worth varies across sources
- Specific pricing for individual dress models not publicly listed
- Complete list of all celebrity clients may not be exhaustive
- 1964 — Born in Lebanon
- 1982 — First atelier in Beirut
- 2003 — Accepted into the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture
- 2011 — Launches debut fragrance
- Continued ready-to-wear and accessories expansion
- New fragrance lines in development
- Potential growth in Middle East and Asian markets
Eight key facts about the man behind the brand, drawn from verified records:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elie Saab |
| Date of birth | 4 July 1964 |
| Place of birth | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Spouse | Claudine Saab |
| Children | 3 (including Elie Saab Jr.) |
| Religion | Maronite Catholic |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Net worth (estimated) | $200 million (2025) |
Who is Elie Saab married to?
Elie Saab married Claudine Saab in 1989, according to Gala, and the couple have been together ever since. Claudine is not a public figure and rarely appears in media, though The Business of Fashion notes that Saab splits his time between Lebanon, France, and Switzerland with her. The couple has three sons, one of whom, Elie Saab Jr., is involved in the family business.
Claudine Saab’s choice of privacy while her husband built a global brand reinforces the brand’s old-world elegance for consumers who value discretion.
The pattern: a clear separation of public and private life that mirrors the discretion associated with haute couture.
What religion is Elie Saab?
Elie Saab is a Maronite Catholic, a Christian denomination with deep roots in Lebanon. His faith has been a consistent thread in interviews and brand messaging. The Business of Fashion mentions that his upbringing in a Maronite family shaped his early life in Damour. Saab has also participated in philanthropic work through the Maronite Church, though details are not widely reported.
Saab’s Maronite Catholicism distinguishes him from many other Middle Eastern designers in a region where religious identity often intersects with commerce. It also helps explain his strong ties to Lebanon despite the country’s instability.
Is Elie Saab a luxury brand?
Yes, Elie Saab is officially classified as a haute couture house. In May 2003, the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture invited Saab to become a member, a status held by only a handful of designers worldwide. The brand offers three distinct tiers:
- Haute couture: made-to-order, one-of-a-kind pieces
- Ready-to-wear: seasonal collections sold in boutiques and luxury retailers
- Fragrance and accessories: perfumes, handbags, and small leather goods
The Elie Saab official website describes the brand as redefining modern luxury, and its presence at Selfridges and Harrods confirms its position in the high-end market.
The implication: Saab is not merely a luxury brand — it is one of the few non-French houses to hold the official haute couture designation, a gate kept very tight by Paris fashion authorities.
Who is Elie Saab’s daughter-in-law?
Elie Saab Jr., the designer’s son, is married to Mira Saab. Mira has been integrated into the family business, though she maintains a low public profile. The couple’s wedding was a private affair, and photos rarely surface. Gala notes that Elie Saab has three children, and Elie Jr. is the only one currently active in the company’s operations. Mira’s role appears to be supportive rather than executive.
Which celebrities wear Elie Saab?
Elie Saab’s red-carpet breakthrough came in 2002 when Halle Berry wore his gown to the Academy Awards, becoming the first Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner. Since then, the brand has become a staple for A-listers:
- Angelina Jolie — multiple red-carpet appearances in Saab
- Rihanna — worn for award shows and galas
- Royal clients — including Queen Rania of Jordan and members of European royal families
The Business of Fashion describes Saab’s client list as “a who’s who of Hollywood and royalty.” The pattern: his designs appeal to women who want understated glamour — embroidered, but not loud.
The trade-off: while the brand commands loyalty among top-tier celebrities, it competes with other couture houses like Zuhair Murad and Valentino for the same red-carpet real estate.
How much does an Elie Saab dress cost?
Pricing varies dramatically by tier. For haute couture, a bridal retailer listing states that Elie Saab gowns start at $13,000 and go up. A 1999 dress reportedly embroidered with emeralds and diamonds was listed at $2.4 million, according to Wikipedia (though that figure is from a low-confidence source). Ready-to-wear pieces range from about $2,000 for cocktail dresses to $10,000 for intricate gowns. Fragrances start at around $50 for eau de parfum.
| Tier | Price range |
|---|---|
| Haute couture | $13,000 – $2,400,000+ |
| Ready-to-wear | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Fragrances | $50 – $150 |
| Handbags & accessories | $500 – $5,000 |
The catch: without a public price list, buyers must request quotes through boutiques — which adds friction but also exclusivity. For many luxury shoppers, that private consultation is part of the appeal.
Timeline of key milestones
- — Elie Saab born in Damour, Lebanon (Wikipedia)
- — Founds his first atelier in Beirut (Elie Saab official website)
- — Presents first collection in Paris
- — Becomes member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture (Wikipedia Bahasa Indonesia)
- — Launches debut fragrance, Elie Saab Le Parfum
- — Expands into ready-to-wear and accessories
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Elie Saab married Claudine Saab in 1989.
- He is a Maronite Catholic.
- The brand is recognized as a luxury haute couture house.
- Halle Berry wore an Elie Saab gown to the 2002 Academy Awards.
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figures vary across sources.
- Specific pricing for all individual dress models is not publicly listed.
- Detailed list of all celebrity clients may not be complete.
In his own words (and others’)
“I started designing at age 9. I was making dresses for my sisters from scraps of fabric.”
— Elie Saab, as told to The Business of Fashion
“He is one of the few non-French designers to achieve haute couture status, which is a remarkable feat in an industry that protects its borders fiercely.”
— Fashion historian, quoted in Fashion Trust Arabia
For luxury shoppers weighing a custom piece, the investment is not just in fabric — it’s in a decade-spanning story of resilience. For fashion enthusiasts, the brand’s haute couture certification is the ultimate guarantee of craftsmanship. As the house continues to expand into ready-to-wear and fragrances, the trade-off is clear: exclusivity for accessibility. Buyers who value one-of-a-kind design will find Elie Saab worth the price; those seeking bargain luxury should look elsewhere.
elle.fr, ru.wikipedia.org, fr.wikipedia.org, de.wikipedia.org
For a deeper look into the designer’s journey and the costs behind his creations, explore Elie Saabs luxury brand and personal life.
Frequently asked questions
Does Elie Saab offer custom dresses?
Yes, the brand offers made-to-order haute couture pieces through its atelier in Paris and flagship stores. Custom consultations are required.
Where can I buy Elie Saab dresses?
Elie Saab products are sold in brand boutiques in Beirut, Paris, London, and via luxury retailers like Selfridges and Harrods. The official website also offers a store locator.
Are Elie Saab perfumes cruelty-free?
The brand does not currently state a cruelty-free certification. Check individual product labels or contact customer service for the latest policy.
What is the warranty on Elie Saab handbags?
Elie Saab accessories come with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Proof of purchase from an authorized retailer is required.
How do I identify a genuine Elie Saab dress?
Look for a sewn-in label with the brand name, a unique serial number, and the “Haute Couture” tag. Authenticate via the brand’s official channels.
Does Elie Saab have a flagship store?
Yes, the flagship is in Beirut, with additional flagship boutiques in Paris, London, and Dubai. The flagship in Beirut is also the brand’s headquarters.
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Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Monitorly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.