Chances are, if you're a fan of jaw-dropping red carpet gowns that look like they belong in a modern fairy tale, you adore Elie Saab. The brand is a master of blending ethereal romance with breathtaking craftsmanship, known for its intricate embroidery, flowing silhouettes, and timeless femininity.
But part of the fun is discovering other designers who share that same love for high glamour. Whether you're seeking a slightly different aesthetic or just want to expand your couture vocabulary, we've found 18 incredible brands that capture a similar kind of magic. Here are the designers you need to know:
Often mentioned in the same breath as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad delivers opulent, embellished gowns for the world’s biggest stars. Both designers are Lebanese masters of haute couture, but where Elie Saab channels romance and ethereal grace, Zuhair Murad often leans toward sheer, dramatic sensuality. Expect intricate beadwork and embroidery, but with more daring cut-outs and bolder-than-bold silhouettes perfect for a show-stopping entrance.
Shop now at zuhairmurad.com
While Elie Saab embodies romantic elegance, Atelier Versace is all about powerful sensuality. This is haute couture with a high-voltage, rock-and-roll attitude loved by iconic superstars. You’ll find meticulously crafted, figure-hugging gowns with thigh-high splits, intricate corsetry, and unapologetic glamour. If you love Saab's dedication to craftsmanship but want a look that feels more fierce and overtly sexy, Atelier Versace delivers.
Shop now at versace.com
If your favorite part of Elie Saab is the fairy-tale aesthetic, Giambattista Valli will be your new obsession. Famous for its clouds of tulle and voluminous, high-low hemlines, Valli creates gowns that are pure, frothy romance. While Saab offers streamlined glamour, Valli amps up the fantasy with more exaggerated silhouettes, delicate floral appliqués, and a decidedly youthful and playful energy. It’s couture for the modern princess.
Shop now at giambattistavalli.com
A beacon of polished American elegance, Oscar de la Renta creates timeless evening wear and bridal gowns loved by first ladies and Hollywood A-listers alike. Like Elie Saab, the house focuses on flattering the female form with refined, luxurious designs. You’ll often find vibrant colors and beautiful floral embroideries here, but with a more structured and classically refined feel than Saab's ethereal flow.
Shop now at oscardelarenta.com
Fendi brings an Italian, fashion-forward edge to the couture world. Under the direction of Kim Jones, Fendi Couture marries historic Roman classicism with sharp, modern innovation. While Elie Saab's work is defined by romantic intricacy, Fendi explores more experimental silhouettes, luxurious fur, and unexpected architectural details. It’s the perfect brand for the couture client who craves something artistic and avant-garde.
Shop now at fendi.com
Valentino speaks the same language of romanticism and graceful elegance as Elie Saab. Renowned for its iconic red gowns as well as dreamy lace and ethereal embroidery, Valentino creates couture that is sophisticated and deeply feminine. The house often balances its intricate details with pure, minimalist silhouettes, offering a breathtaking and timeless glamour that feels both classic and totally contemporary.
Shop now at valentino.com
Known for creating modern masterpieces, Ralph & Russo fuses innovative design with meticulous, old-world craftsmanship. Their gowns are often architectural and striking, featuring elaborate embroidery, 3D florals, and luxurious textures. If you admire Elie Saab's attention to detail but are drawn to slightly more structured or bold silhouettes, Ralph & Russo offers a similar level of exceptional artistry with a distinctly contemporary flair.
Shop now at ralphandrusso.com
Another beloved Lebanese designer, Reem Acra is synonymous with ethereal bridal and evening wear. Her designs share Elie Saab’s delicate and romantic sensibility, with a focus on shimmering embroidery and gossamer-light fabrics. Perfect for weddings and black-tie events, Reem Acra’s gowns offer a sophisticated, graceful look that feels both luxurious and fantastically dreamy, making her work an excellent alternative for any Saab fan.
Shop now at reemacra.com
Instead of a single brand, think of Bergdorf Goodman’s eveningwear salon as a curated wonderland of couture-level gowns. They hand-pick pieces from the world's top designers, often championing collections that share the luxurious, embellished aesthetic of Elie Saab. Shopping its selection is an amazing way to discover numerous designers who excel in craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and feminine elegance, all in one place.
Shop now at bergdorfgoodman.com
Azzaro is for when you're feeling glamour with a capital 'G'. The French house is legendary for its glittering, often sensual gowns adorned with crystals, sequins, and chainmail details. While Elie Saab does soft romance, Azzaro is all about fluid, '70s-inspired party dresses come to life. Choose Azzaro when you want the luxury of couture, but in a look that’s made for the dance floor.
Shop now at azzaroreynolds.com
Specializing in bridal and evening gowns, Sarah Jassir perfectly marries show-stopping intricacy with clean, modern silhouettes. Like Saab, she demonstrates mastery of embroidery and luxurious fabric, but often applies it to more minimalist structures. This blend of classic luxury with structural creativity makes her work a fantastic choice for those who want detail-rich gowns that feel undeniably contemporary.
Shop now at sarahjassir.com
Marchesa is romantic fantasy brought to life. Famed for its dreamy, ethereal designs rich with layers of tulle, intricate beading, and delicate appliqués, the brand resonates deeply with lovers of Elie Saab. Marchesa tends to lean into a more opulent, theatrical style, making its gowns perfect for creating an unforgettable modern fairy-tale moment on any red carpet or wedding aisle.
Shop now at marchesa.com
Renowned for show-stopping embellishments and globally inspired beadwork, Naeem Khan's collections are pure eye candy. The craftsmanship and meticulous detailing echo the work of Elie Saab, but Khan often uses bolder colors and more graphic patterns. His gowns and sharp tailored jumpsuits are a favorite among confident style leaders who want clothing that’s both an outfit and a work of art.
Shop now at naeemkhan.com
For a dose of high-wattage glamour without the haute couture price tag, Jovani is a fantastic go-to. Known for evening, prom, and special occasion dresses, they nail the look of glittering embellishments on flattering silhouettes. Jovani captures the drama of red carpet dressing in a more accessible way, offering a variety of sparkling, beautiful gowns for anyone wanting to make a head-turning statement.
Shop now at jovani.com
Syrian-born designer Rami Al Ali’s Dubai-based couture house is a perfect discovery for Elie Saab admirers. His work celebrates modern femininity through intricate embroidery, elegant architectural draping, and unapologetically luxurious fabrics. Al Ali often plays with sculptural elements mixed with classic beading, resulting in regal and sophisticated gowns that master the blend of Middle Eastern artistry and contemporary European style.
Shop now at ramialali.com
Lela Rose is your brand for when you want Elie Saab’s graceful femininity delivered in a subtle, more understated way. Celebrated for wedding and evening wear, her pieces focus on exquisite fabrics and flattering, sophisticated silhouettes rather than heavy embellishment. The vibe is decidedly modern and effortlessly elegant, perfect for polished events where refined style speaks louder than sequins.
Shop now at lelarose.com
If you're seeking that sexy, figure-hugging silhouette that looks amazing in photos, check out House of CB. While it’s not couture, the brand has perfected creating dramatic, body-contouring dresses that capture a slice of the red carpet glamour, but for a cool night out. Their well-made corsetry and figure-flattering draping deliver a similar knockout effect in a more accessible, contemporary package.
Shop now at houseofcb.com
For the Elie Saab fan with a daring side, Alexandre Vauthier is king. The Parisian designer is a master of sharp, sexy, and impeccably tailored couture. Where Saab is softness, Vauthier is edge - think razor-sharp shoulders, plunging necklines, metallics, and liquid-like draping. It's the ultimate choice for when you want the luxury of French craftsmanship paired with a powerful, ultramodern silhouette.
Shop now at alexandrevauthier.com
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