Rabat – The Lebanese couturier, Elie Saab, is the cover star of Architectural Digest Middle East’s August/September 2026 Style Issue, giving readers an exclusive first look inside his newly restored residence in Beirut, located opposite the city’s historic Sursock Palace.

Titled “The Art of Belonging,” the cover story offers a rare glimpse into the home where Saab’s love of heritage, craftsmanship and collecting comes together. 

And while the designer has spent decades creating some of fashion’s most recognisable gowns, this time, the story is about the place he calls home.

“I’ve spent my entire life collecting things. Every piece means something to me and has a reason for being here. It’s not by chance,” Saab told Architectural Digest Middle East.

Rather than transforming the historic residence into something entirely new, Saab chose to work with what was already there, preserving its architectural character while introducing details inspired by Islamic geometry, Lebanese craftsmanship and his personal collection of objects.

“When you go classic like this, the rooms must be rich. You need to honor what the home already is,” he explained.

The result is a residence that feels deeply connected to Beirut, while still carrying the unmistakable elegance associated with Saab. 

Its restored details and carefully chosen interiors tell a story not only about the city’s architectural heritage, but also about the designer himself.

For Saab, however, a beautiful home is ultimately about more than what can be seen.

“To me, there’s no point in having a beautiful house if it’s empty. I love a home that’s full of warmth, full of people and full of love,” he said.

That idea gives “The Art of Belonging” its most personal dimension. Behind the couture, the red carpets and the international fashion houses is a designer whose relationship with Beirut remains deeply rooted in memory, objects and the feeling of being at home.

The August/September Style Issue expands on that idea of personal style, exploring the ways architecture, interiors, travel and creative identity intersect across the Middle East.

But it is Saab’s Beirut residence that takes center stage, and perhaps fittingly so. 

After a career spent designing spacesuits for fantasy and gowns for some of the world’s biggest occasions, the designer’s latest statement is a place that belongs entirely to him.