Elie Saab Fall Winter 2023-2024 Ready-to-Wear “For mother Russia” or “Babushka”. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Elie Saab.

This collection of Elie Saab Ready-to-Wear created by Zambaiti Parati. It is a second season he creates Ready-to-Wear line for Elie Saab. Press-release reads: “Like an untamed flower, the Elie Saab woman is radiant, fierce and free. Her fearless spirit and pronounced feminine essence come alive. Overflowing with bold blossoms in brilliant revelries of life and luminosity, the collection is inspired by the opulent bouquets of the Renaissance.”

What exactly does it say about the collection? Basically nothing. You would think it is Italian painted flowers… but… something’s not quite right… What we see is painted flowers on black background straight from Zhostovo, Russia. The main inspiration of the collection is Russian Babushka and her scarf. 

Is it a new way Elie Saab sees the woman of today? Or is it a marketing move to get rich Russian clients, who refused to be accepted elsewhere?

How unsettling to know that during this complicated relationship with Russia, and Russian Oligarchs, during this war, terror, and torture for women and children, Elie Saab decided to ignore it all and create a collection for Russian rich women. But I’m not surprised. It’s always been his credo money before valor.

What we see here are typical Russian folk looks – long and short dresses with Zhostovo flowers and puffed jackets (that’s totally new). Elie Saab became a “savior” of rich Russian women who no one wants to dress. 

See all looks Elie Saab Fall Winter 2023-2024 Ready-to-Wear