Jan. 26, 2011-PARIS-/FW/ The latest collection from Elie Saab was pure perfection. From the uber feminine color palette of pale pinks, nude, lavender, fuchsia, black and crème to the dainty, waist-accentuating silhouettes and thigh-high slits, it was love at first sight.

Elie Saab knows the woman’s body and exactly what she wants to wear to feel incredible for a black tie event or a red carpet walk. I could imagine each piece that walked down the runway being a part of everyone’s best-dressed list very soon. The first gowns were in subdued and calm colors, but the beading, open backs, grosgrain bows, and bits of sheer chiffon wow-ed in this nude color scheme.

Sending three models down the runway on occasion, Saab presented coordinating looks, like a fuchsia cocktail dress accompanied by its swankier sister gowns in asymmetrical necklines and yards upon yards of flowing fabric. The beaded lace gowns in black and crème were stunning and showed just enough skin underneath to combine classy elegance with sultry sizzle.

Saab showed us the apotheosis of Haute Couture design and execution for his Spring Summer 2011 collection.

[LINDSAY McCALLUM]