Serving as a reminder to mark your calendars for October 29 when Elie Saab x H&M hits stores around the world, the two brands threw a bash to tease the capsule collection.
The Palais Brongniart, Paris’s grand former stock exchange, had been draped in rich burgundy fabric for the occasion. Guests arrived via a long red carpet, a nod to the countless ones Saab’s gowns have graced over the years. Amelia Gray, Gabbriette, Iris Law, Anok Yai, Imaan Hammam, Lila Moss, Marisa Abela, and Calum Harper were among those who RSVPd “oui,” while Kim Turnbull, Inès Rau, and Ella Knight took turns on the decks. “I always feel so excited for every H&M collaboration,” Gray said. “The beauty and attention to detail is so special, and this collection really captures that energy and craft.”
The collection spans embellished gowns, sharp tailoring, and lacy separates, but the evening’s biggest surprise was something no one saw coming: a bridal gown, befitting of the house’s long bridal heritage. As legendary house music singer Robin S took the stage and launched into her 1990s anthem “Show Me Love,” a model emerged from the crowd in the mermaid-shaped dress, complete with a twisting off-the-shoulder neckline, a dramatic train, and a hand-embroidered veil.
For Saab, hosting in Paris was a given. “The city has always been very close to my heart, so it felt natural to celebrate this collection here,” he said. Paris, in return, showed the love. —Freya Drohan
Verafied
Saturday night in Paris hits differently—just take in the chic vignette at the George V Signature Suite at Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquets as evidence. The space played backdrop to a decidedly Upper East Side kind of Paris Fashion Week gathering, fitting given the co-host. Actress and fashion plate Kelly Rutherford joined designer Vera C. Wang to celebrate the latest collection by Wang’s accessories label, Verafied, over cocktails with a close circle of friends.
Rather than staging a formal launch, Wang let the bags do the talking, scattering her sculptural silhouettes throughout the suite as Caroline Daur, Lilly Sisto, Lisa Aiken, Chloé Lecareux, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and Minju Jo settled in.
Rutherford, for her part, was already a convert. “All the handles completely change; you can make them short or long, and they’re so chic and comfortable,” she said of the popular handbag line, before singling out a new style finished with an actual necklace. “I love that. So beautiful.”
Wang, meanwhile, credited the past. “Everything that’s vintage,” she said of her inspiration. “I love history and all the old elements of the city. Everything is vintage-inspired, but modernized.” —Freya Drohan
