FEATURES: Elie Saab Enters the World of Men's Fragrance
Words - Beanie Stolper
Milan recently played host to a very special event - a fragrance launch marking Elie Saab’s first foray into men’s olfactory territory. Saab, a name long synonymous with impeccable couture and a meticulous approach to design, has now turned his attention to defining the Elie Saab man.
The Lebanese designer built an empire dressing some of the world’s most influential women, from royalty to red carpets. His signature aesthetic—architectural precision, lavish embroidery, and an almost otherworldly elegance—has now been bottled into Elie Saab L’Homme, his first dedicated men’s fragrance. Unlike the unisex scents he’s explored in the past, this fragrance is a bold statement of contemporary masculinity, rooted in deep vetiver, smoky cedarwood, and the warmth of myrrh.
The scent launch brings us to Milan, where Saab has chosen to introduce his vision of modern masculinity. Saab and I settle into a conversation about craftsmanship, identity, and the delicate interplay between fashion and fragrance.
Beanie Stolper: Firstly Elie, you are extremely inspiring - what is your key to success?
Elie Saab: I believe the success of a product comes from what you present to the customer. In my life, success has come from focusing on the product itself. It is about creating something meaningful and ensuring it is of the highest quality.
BS: You previously had a unisex fragrance that was available exclusively in London at Harrods. What led to the decision to create a purely men’s fragrance instead of continuing with a unisex approach?
ES: As a brand, we wanted to expand our offerings for men while maintaining respect for our brand identity. We tested this fragrance over a long period, particularly with the vetiver note, which was part of our initial collection launched eight to ten years ago. We saw how much men admired that product and how successful it was. That made us realise we needed to establish a strong platform for men’s fragrances, and this new scent is our flagship in that category.
BS: What emotions or feelings do you want this fragrance to evoke in the people who wear it?
ES: Confidence! Everything you put on yourself, you must admire before you wear it. Because when you leave your house, you should feel confident. For me, this is very important. Especially when you smell yourself and feel beautiful - it can be a truly wonderful feeling.
BS: What was the creative process behind developing this fragrance?
ES: When I create a fragrance, I think about the image of a man that I have in my mind. I like it to be connected to the woman we present in our fashion collections. It is about creating a balance - whether as a husband, a boyfriend, or a son. The idea is to have a similar profile between our men’s and women’s collections. This fragrance was made for men who want to stay within the same world we have created for them.
BS: So, you would say it’s for men who love women who love?
ES: Yes, exactly. The fragrance is designed for men who appreciate women, who understand elegance and presence. That connection is very important. It is for men who love women, who love Elie Saab L’Homme.
BS: Moving on from that, fashion is something you can touch and feel, whereas fragrance is something you experience through scent. How do you translate the grandeur and theatricality of your couture collections into a perfume?
ES: It’s very different. Fragrance is its own world. You have to respect the process - how it is made, what is possible in production, and what works or doesn’t work. It is very important to understand that. Fashion is immediate. You see it, you understand it right away. But perfume is something else. It exists on its own, like a standalone moment.
BS: I wear a lot of men’s perfume, I’m interested to hear more about it’s unisex nature.
ES: I know many women who wear men’s fragrances, and honestly, sometimes they make it feel even more beautiful than it does on a man. Especially if she has a strong character. I believe a woman must have presence to wear a fragrance like this. It’s about personality!
BS: Do you believe fragrance has the same transformative power as fashion? Or do you think it has a different quality?
ES: Fashion is more immediate - you see it right away. When you enter a room, people see what you are wearing. But with fragrance, it is different. It’s more intimate. If someone wants to approach you, they have to get closer, which creates a sense of intimacy. It is another kind of approach. If I want to approach someone, I have to get closer, and that creates a sense of intimacy. Even in design, my creations are very subtle and discreet, not overly obvious. Fashion is something you see immediately, while fragrance is something you experience over time.
BS: How did you select the ingredients for this fragrance? Are there any particular notes that you feel especially connected to?
ES: The starting point was definitely the vetiver! The selection process was very thoughtful. We started with elements from our past collections, especially the vetiver note that we loved and wanted to refine further. It was about evolving the structure of that note into something new and unique. That is why this fragrance is now exclusive to our boutiques. There was a connection between what we had before and what we have created now, making it a very special evolution.
BS: You launched your first women’s fragrance in 2011, and now you are introducing this men’s fragrance. Was defining the Elie Saab man different from defining the Elie Saab woman?
ES: It is similar in many ways. Just as with fashion, when you create a fragrance, you need to have a clear image of the person who will wear it. With women’s perfume, we had a vision of the kind of woman we wanted to represent. It is the same with men. You must have an aspiration or a muse - someone who embodies the essence of the fragrance. The personality of the man is very important!
BS: How would you describe that man?
ES: He is confident and manly. He is a man who women adore but also a man who admires women and understands elegance and presence. It’s all about connection - the way a man and a woman complement each other.
BS: One last question, you’ve designed a men’s fragrance and had a few male models walk in your shows. Are you planning on design menswear in the future?
ES: Yes, we are working on it. We will present it soon!
Elie Saab L’Homme is available nationwide & at John Lewis from £75 (50ml) - £105 (100ml)