For the Pre-A/W 18’ Ready-to-Wear collection, Elie Saab takes the wild out of the west with this modern tribute to the nomadic and picturesque Sonora region. While propelling us into a dry and rugged backdrop, Elie Saab injects his signature sophisticated lines and ultra-feminine looks, to create pieces that resonate with women who dream of faraway places, but in cool-cut style.

Just like a rare flowering season in an arid desert, the collection starts with an elegant display of deep burgundy, black and white floral patterns, in the form of intricate embroidery, that mesh organically with black satin outlines.  Whisper-thin lace and thick laser cut-out leather, with ‘western-like’ embossed motifs, combined to create a perfect, and elaborate dance, as full looks or as inserts on key pieces.

Born in the harsh desert-like south-west, silver and gold metallic studs animate everything from statement leather jackets, to gilets, suede bands on waist hugging dresses, the bottoms of skirts, and the ends of sleeves. While furtive feathers, on ankle-length skirts and furry jackets flutter effortlessly in the desert winds, a series of especially designed butterflies, hearts and sparrows, appear as badges and appliqués, bringing splashes of vibrant colour and touches of pastel to a collection otherwise rooted in black.

Prints also leave a strong impact, with tweed trompe l’oeil paired with tweed fabric, and Mexican canvas-inspired fabrics that find their twins in the form of shiny and colourful sequin dresses.  This season sees the introduction of the Elie Saab crest, which is the result of the letters “E” and “S” intertwining to create a floral-like emblem inspired from the brands core aesthetics.

Making its first major appearance into the brand’s collections, the crest features as a golden appliqué on T-shirts, printed or engraved on buttons, and is even moulded into a metallic armour wrap-around on leather clutches. Other standout leather clutches feature belt buckles that take their cue from authentic saddle reins, while small studded saddle-bags with fringes glimmer and sway in the distance. We also discover a series of slick and smooth plexi-glass minaudière designs, in an array of no less than thirteen colours.

Boots, sandals, pumps and heeled mules come in leather or suede, and are embellished, from front to side and back of heel, with studs and wild west-inspired python and leather motif inserts. Jewellery, on the other hand, takes on a simpler and more restrained form of sophistication, with a variety of golden chains, cuffs and earrings that are completed with a variety of delicate coloured stones.

This Pre-A/W collection brings together looks with a dense decorative quality, and a play on layers, textures and colours, that feeds the imaginations of those who dream of adventure, in true Elie Saab feminine form.