Elie Saab Le Parfum- The Journey

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On Tuesday evening, I had the opportunity to attend a special presentation hosted by Vogue to celebrate the launch of Elie Saab Le Parfum. We had the privilege of taking an intimate look into the two-year process to create the perfume, bottle, and cap. You may be shocked to learn that the cap alone took 6 months to develop!

We start with an in-depth look into who Elie Saab is and what he sought to attain when the creative process of the perfume launched on September 25th of 2009. From the start, the goal was to turn the world of couture into a fragrance that women would love. It is no surprise that Mr. Saab achieved perfection, as it is no secret that he loves women—and they in return love him. His Haute Couture designs have sold more than any other couturier in the world, it is bound that the same success would follow in his perfume venture.

We soon traveled to beautiful Beirut to get a sneak peek into what inspires the brilliant couturier. His answer was pure, simple, and more meaningful than I could have imagined. In one simple sentence Mr. Saab said, “Inspirations are always women—nothing else.” Continuing with his philosophy, Elie Saab states, “I believe in beauty that comes from character. A lot of beautiful women are cold.” Beauty from within seems to be a repeating trait when it comes to the couturier’s creations. He once again demonstrates this by creating a feminine, sensual fragrance worthy of the name Elie Saab.

After 125 trial versions, an ultra-feminine, flowery-woody composition was selected, signed by the perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, whose impressive resume includes Jean Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyaké, and Narciso Rodriguez. The main notes in the fragrance are orange blossom, jasmine grandiflorum, sambac jasmine, Patchouli, cedar wood, and a white honey note called honey rose.

The simple baroque style glass bottle is designed by world renowned designer Syvie de France. The process to attain this container was anything but simple. Mr. Saab wanted a bottle that was as beautiful on the outside as what was in the inside. And after 6 months of repeatedly going back to the drawing board, Mr. Saab approved the final design—a bottle inspired by a crystal that sat on his desk. Another 6 months and 25 design submissions later, Le Parfum had a cap.

The face of the product needed to be as exquisite as the perfume itself. The perfect final piece to the two-year long project, Anja Rubik was chosen as the face of Elie Saab Le Parfum. Mr. Saab believed that she represented both the strong and delicate woman—embodied with confidence and aware of her beauty. You might be surprised to learn that the Elie Saab ad campaign was shot in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles is set to be home to one of two new ateliers in the US. These will be in addition to the 4 existing locations in London, Paris, Dubai, and Beirut.

I feel as though Le Parfum is so much more than a perfume. It is a story that already has two years of history. Moreover, it is a piece of art that will bring luxury into your daily routine. It is an intimate addition to the Elie Saab brand that Mr. Saab was involved in from day one, and a true testament of his love of women and beauty. The scent of this perfume will enhance your femininity and make you feel beautiful, elegant, and sensual.

I’ve been wearing my Le Parfum everyday since Tuesday and not a day has gone by without someone asking me what I’m wearing. But the fragrance is only available for pre-sale right now at Saks Fifth Avenue. Le Parfum will officially be available for purchase in mid August through Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. The collection will be available in 3 sizes: 30ML, 50ML and 90ML. Le Parfum will also include a body line, including shower gel, body lotion, cream, and perfumed deodorant spray.

I also encourage you to visit ElieSaab.com and see the beautiful videos detailing the process even more—the imagery is breathtaking!