Elie Saab Orchestrates Lavish Lebanese Wedding for Son
Designer’s Son Seleio Weds Zain Katame in a Celebration Rooted in National Pride
In a stunning display of familial love and national pride, fashion icon Elie Saab recently orchestrated a magnificent three-day wedding for his son, Seleio Saab, and his bride, Zain Katame. The celebration, held in the picturesque Lebanese mountain village of Fakra, stood in stark contrast to the high-profile international ceremonies often favored by the elite.
A Testament to Lebanese Heritage
While globally renowned figures like Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez opted for Venice, Elie Saab‘s choice of Lebanon underscored a deep commitment to his homeland. This decision resonated widely on social media, with many praising the move as a significant boost to the Lebanese economy. Wedding events are recognized as a vital industry, driving revenue for hotels, restaurants, and transportation sectors, particularly for a country seeking to highlight its appeal as a tourist destination.
The wedding also served as a powerful counter-narrative to negative perceptions of Lebanon, often overshadowed by regional conflicts. It showcased the country’s vibrant cultural scene and the immense artistic talent within its population, from hairstylist Wassim Marous to makeup artist Bassam Fattouh and decor designer Naiman Qazi. Elie Saab‘s vision was clear: to craft a quintessentially Lebanese love story.
A Vision in Gold and Romance
The celebrated designer himself played a pivotal role, meticulously overseeing every detail, most notably the bridal ensembles. Elie Saab adopted a “golden gradients” theme across the three days, a symbolic nod to Beirut’s golden age. This created a breathtaking tableau where his son Seleio and bride Zain emerged as the radiant stars of a fairy tale.
The bride’s gown, described as embodying all the hallmarks of Elie Saab’s signature romantic and luxurious style, left a lasting impression. As Zain walked down the aisle at Bakri Church, escorted by her father, her dress captivated all, overshadowing previous celebrity bridal attire.
“Like many girls, I always dreamed of feeling a princess on my wedding day, and I am very fortunate that Eli Saab is a protection, because he gave me much more… made me feel like a queen. Not only because the dress was only owned by all standards, but because it resembles me.”
—Zain Katame
Zain shared her profound trust in Elie Saab‘s creative process. Her only request was for the dress to reflect her personality and authenticity. She elaborated on their collaborative journey, describing an open dialogue where Saab listened intently, translating her unspoken desires into reality. The resulting masterpiece was not just a dress but a manifestation of her dreams, a fusion of her evolving identity and Saab’s iconic style.
The exceptional craftsmanship of the wedding dress is a testament to Elie Saab‘s dedication. Crafted from tulle and adorned with approximately 1,500 shimmering sequins, the gown required around 800 hours of work from 39 artisans. The veil alone took an estimated 250 hours, with the intricate embroidery and sequin work demanding an additional 480 hours.
A Celebration of Love and Craftsmanship
Social media buzzed with overwhelmingly positive reactions, highlighting the event’s pervasive elegance and sophistication. Elie Saab himself, alongside his wife Claudine, posed with their three sons and the newlywed couple, capping off the celebratory affair.
The wedding not only celebrated the union of Seleio and Zain but also reaffirmed Elie Saab‘s esteemed position in the global fashion landscape. The exceptional quality and artistry displayed at this family event leave the fashion world anticipating what creativity he might unveil next, perhaps at the upcoming wedding of his younger son, Michel.
