Jeff Bezos’ wedding wasn’t the only major society event of the summer — in Lebanon, an equally spectacular ceremony took place: Célio Saab, son of world-renowned designer Elie Saab, married his beloved Zayn Koutami.

The wedding festivities will last for three days. The bride and groom kicked things off with a luxurious pre-wedding party the day before yesterday.

The open-air event featured photo sessions with the couple, dancing, live music, and performances by artists in traditional costumes.

Among the guests congratulating the future husband and wife were the groom’s parents, Elie and Claudine Saab, his younger brother Michael, the bride’s mother, and many others.

Zayn Koutami appeared at the party in a cream-colored gown designed especially for her by Elie Saab himself. The dress highlighted her figure, featured delicate embroidery, and was paired with statement diamond earrings.

The main part of the celebration took place the following day. For the official ceremony, the bride wore a voluminous white gown with embroidered hems and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Her look was completed with a tiara, veil, and loose hair. As Zayn shared on her blog, over 780 hours went into creating the dress, which went through several stages — from sketches to final tailoring. «This is how dreams are made,» she wrote touchingly.

Although the gown’s full skirt slightly restricted her movements, Zayn made a graceful entrance to the altar, where the couple officially became husband and wife. The newlyweds exited the church to applause from their guests.

Zayn Koutami, originally from Jordan, is a graduate of the American University of Beirut and worked successfully in PR. She went on her first date with the designer’s son back in 2021. A spark was immediate, and their next meeting came soon after. Their romance lasted three years, and in the summer of 2024, Célio proposed and asked for her hand in marriage.

Photo: Instagram @eliesaabworld, @celiosaab, @patricksawaya

As part of Haute Couture Week in Paris, the Elie Saab fashion house presented its new couture collection.

The elegant show was attended by Eva Longoria, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Olga Kurylenko, Poppy Delevingne, who is expecting her first child, and other celebrities.

In his latest collection, Elie Saab showcased floor-length evening gowns made from flowing fabrics, adorned with glittering hand embroidery.

Several looks featured combinations of light green and soft lilac shades, while the rest of the collection was dominated by a monochromatic palette of powdery, mint, gold, blue, and lilac hues. Saab also introduced jumpsuits with structured corsets, wide-leg trousers with floor-length skirts, and a few pieces crafted from deep navy denim.

Floral appliqués became the leitmotif of the collection. Models carried shimmering clutches, and the show ended with a sheer beige gown with a long train and veil.

The runway featured top models and former Victoria’s Secret Angels Romi Strijd, Candice Swanepoel, Stella Maxwell, and Joan Smalls.

Photo: Dominique Maitre/WWD, www.kendam.com, Instagram @olgakurylenkoofficial, @rosiehw

Elie Saab is making his debut in the hospitality industry as the fashion brand plans to open a luxury resort in the Swiss Alps. In collaboration with the Swiss architectural firm and developer A++ Group, Elie Saab has unveiled the project for the Post Hotel & Residences.

The complex will be located in Andermatt, with the opening scheduled for 2027, according to WWD.

The branded property will be built on the site of the existing 3 Könige Und Post — an architectural landmark dating back to 1788. After renovation, the Elie Saab hotel will feature 21 designer rooms and 19 luxury residences spread over nearly 4,500 square meters.

Guests will have access to two restaurants, a club, a wellness spa, an indoor pool, a ski simulator, a yoga area, a fitness center, and a children’s zone.

According to A++ Group co-founder Paolo Colombo, the investment in the hotel complex amounts to approximately €65 million, with an expected revenue of €140 million.

It has also been revealed that the brand plans to launch similar projects in the Maldives and Casablanca.