Elie Saab

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Elie Saab shot to prominence in 2003 when actress Halle Berry dazzled at the Oscars in one of his typically elegant creations.

Already one of the hottest names in Middle Eastern fashion with a client list of Arabian princesses, the exposure brought the Lebanese designer to the attention of the celebrity A-list -- these days he's as likely to dress Christian Aguilera or Beyonce Knowles as Queen Rania of Jordan.

Saab's style -- described as "Arabian nights fantasy" -- is characterized by brightly colored gowns in chiffrons and silk, elaborately decorated with pearl beading, embroidered lace, stones and crystals.

"What I mainly do is use the warmth of the Orient and add it to the European style," he says.

With no formal training, Saab launched his first fashion house in Beirut in 1982 at the height of Lebanon's civil war, creating evening gowns and wedding dresses.

These days he has workshops in Paris and Milan and his prêt-a-porter lines are sold across the world, yet Saab remains based in his homeland, recently opening a new headquarters and atelier in Beirut.

In a country more usually associated with Hizbollah than Haute Couture, Saab's rise to the upper echelons of the fashion world has mirrored Lebanon's own post-war revival.

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