The exclusive Elie Saab Haute Couture collection was shot in the mountains of Faqra, where the ruins of the ancient Roman Temple of Adonis is located. Photographer Patrick Sawaya captured the graceful fashion moment along film director Mounia Akl who lensed the seven-minute video.

“After the explosion I realize that Beirut needed every one of us, all the Lebanese who had success around the world and any influence anywhere, to help our country to create beauty again. We are fed up here just talking about the explosion. We need to remind ourselves that Beirut is a one the most beautiful places in the world to live,” said Saab.

The cast slowly emerges from the mirrored arches, and marches through the woods almost surprised that nature is so verdant and abundant. Dressed like sylvan divinities, the model glide by in delicate blues and blush pink muslins that glisten in the slanted late afternoon sunlight. Silk threads gleam in morning mist, as the girls play hide and seek in organza dresses or embroidered tulle gowns amid the pine and cedar trees. Elie cuts with a more organic shape and loser silhouettes, all the way to the iridescent bride who shimmers in a gentle armor of silver.

“In the film, each girl is Beirut. While the collection is a present to each girl to wear something beautiful in Beirut. Our city loves beauty and beauty,” stressed Saab.