Elie Saab became the first foreign designer ever to accept the invitation of the Italian fashion chamber, Camera Nazionale della Moda; in the year 2000, the French syndicate extended an invitation to him to join the elite club of brands authorised to label their collection as haute couture. However, six years down the line, he was appointed an honorary member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
In making headlines and gaining acceptance within the exclusive European fashion circles, Elie Saab ended up branding and inspiring an entire younger Middle Eastern generation of designers to think with the stars and shoot for the moon. His oeuvre has far surpassed the limits of the runway; he dares to course the future of international couture with bold creativity and cultural pride.
