Q & A: Elie Saab

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The Scene talks to Lebanese designer Elie Saab about Beirut's post-war re-birth.

The Scene: How has Beirut changed since the end of the civil war?

Elie Saab: The Solidere is the new image of Lebanon -- it is revolutionary. All the buildings have been renovated using the same stone so it looks like an old city again. It is an area that is full of energy, especially at night at the weekend. It's a place that is full of people and full of life. I like to go there with friends because you feel alive, it's a very interesting area. Ten years ago it was totally destroyed -- now every Lebanese should feel pride in its prosperity and success. It's like a newborn baby for the country. Everywhere in Lebanon can aspire to be like this.

TS: It seems as if the city has regained some of its old confidence -- people are enjoying life again.

ES: I don't usually go out -- I am quiet; I prefer to stay at home with my family, or to drive into the mountains. But there are some very nice places to go out with friends. The nightlife is a source of inspiration to me -- I like to see how people live, how people dress, how they move, to see what's going on. Maybe it's the people, the lifestyle of the people. It's very important to Lebanese people that they enjoy life.

TS: Where do you like to go in the city when you want to relax?

ES: I like to go to the Corniche because I love the sea, I love the color of the sea. I have to live near the sea because it makes me so relaxed. I like to breathe the fresh air. The bright colors of the sea were the inspiration for my last summer collection. It was very successful because greens and blues can be very flattering.

TS: It sounds as if you draw a lot of inspiration for your work from Beirut.

ES: Beirut is a very educated place, very cultured, sophisticated and cosmopolitan. It's part of a very diverse country and that can be very inspiring as a designer because you see all kinds of people, different styles and different combinations of influences. The charm of the country is amazing, it can be very extravagant. Every time I present a collection and they say "Lebanese designer Elie Saab," I feel very proud that I've done something for my country and the city that I love.

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