The ELIE SAAB X H&M Collection Includes The Most Romantic Bridal Look

By Alison McGill

Lebanese-born fashion designer Elie Saab built his career in the bridal fashion business. His global design house began in the early ’80s, with Saab specializing in bridal couture. His designs were artful and dramatic, and he quickly became renowned for his incredible wedding gowns, crafted from intricate lace and heavily embellished with gemstones, crystals, pearls and elaborate embroidery.

Saab grew and evolved his fashion empire with a ready-to-wear line, which he launched in 1998. His haute couture gowns quickly became a mainstay of the red carpet, worn by A-listers including Beyoncé, Lili Reinhart, Lupita Nyong’o, Céline Dion and Halle Berry, who wore Saab’s now-legendary burgundy net dress to accept her Best Actress Oscar in 2002 (read all about Berry’s gown in our THE STORY OF feature).

This fall, Saab is bringing his divine couture designs to the masses as the latest global design powerhouse to collaborate with H&M. The ELIE SAAB X H&M Collection launches on October 22 in stores and online, with a lineup that includes dazzling occasionwear for women and men, as well as accessories and footwear. The mix also includes a wedding dress and veil, which means a red-carpet-inspired aisle style without a five-figure budget is entirely attainable.

“We are honoured to have an ELIE SAAB bridal look within the collection,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson of H&M. “We were all very moved to see Mr. Saab working on it in the studio, and the final garment is stunning.”

The bridal look closed the collection’s recent launch event in Paris. The mermaid gown features a ruched, off-the-shoulder neckline and layers of draped chiffon that cascade down the skirt into a showstopping train. Saab’s gowns are famous for their interior construction, and this dress is no exception. The corset bodice gives structure and support, while the back adds a touch of sparkle and sheerness with an illusion mesh panel detailed with glass sequins and beads.

For maximum drama, there’s an ethereal veil to wear with it. The cathedral-length design is crafted from mesh and features delicate, hand-embroidered floral motifs trimmed with more shimmering beadwork.

“Bridal is where everything began, the moment where the language of Elie Saab found its voice,” shares Saab, who is now the chairman and chief creative officer of ELIE SAAB. “Our foundations are creating dresses for the most important day in a woman’s life, and that connection has remained deeply personal. To be able, through this collection, to offer a bridal piece at a different price point is something meaningful. It allows a wider audience of future brides to experience our world on their own terms.”

The ELIE SAAB X H&M bridal gown and veil will be available exclusively in stores in Dubai, Paris and New York. In Canada, you can buy both online. Mark your shopping calendars, and don’t sleep on this collaboration: the wedding gown and veil will be available in extremely limited quantities.