Forget playing it safe. Elie Saab has arrived at H&M, bringing sharp tailoring, after-dark glamour and a little old-school swagger to the modern man’s wardrobe. But is this designer collaboration worth the hype? MenStylePower takes a closer look.
There’s something refreshing about a bloke who knows how to dress up.
Not just throwing on a blazer because the invitation says cocktail, but actually enjoying the ritual of getting dressed. A beautifully cut jacket. A crisp shirt. Trousers that sit exactly where they should. Clothes that command attention without having to shout.
That’s the territory Lebanese couturier Elie Saab is stepping into with his latest collaboration with Swedish fashion giant H&M, launched globally on 22 October 2026.
And while Saab is internationally celebrated for dressing Hollywood royalty in extraordinary couture gowns, it’s the menswear that has caught our attention.
Because, gentlemen, dressing well is making a comeback.
FROM BEIRUT TO THE HIGH STREET
Elie Saab isn’t a designer who built his reputation on streetwear, oversized hoodies or the latest sneaker drop.
His fashion language is glamour, precision, elegance and craftsmanship. Since establishing his house in Beirut, Saab has become one of the world’s most recognisable names in luxury occasionwear, creating clothes that celebrate the art of making an entrance.
Translating that philosophy into an H&M collection is an interesting proposition.
Luxury fashion and the high street have enjoyed a long-running relationship, but these collaborations can be hit and miss. Sometimes they deliver genuinely desirable pieces. Other times, you’re paying for a famous name stitched into something rather ordinary.
With Elie Saab, the ambition is clear: bring the designer’s signature sophistication to a wider audience without losing the character that made the house famous.
THE MENSWEAR: UNASHAMEDLY DRESSED UP
The collection leans into eveningwear, featuring tailored jackets, tuxedo-inspired trousers, crisp shirts and statement pieces with texture and embellishment.
It’s a welcome departure from the relentless casualisation of menswear.
For years, Australian men have been told that looking relaxed is the ultimate style achievement. Sneakers with everything. T-shirts under suits. Another variation of the same beige overshirt.
There’s nothing wrong with relaxed dressing, but somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten how enjoyable a bit of sartorial theatre can be.
Saab brings it back.
The tailored evening jackets are arguably the strongest proposition. There’s a sense of occasion to the silhouettes, with structured shoulders, refined lines and details that elevate the traditional black jacket beyond standard corporate attire.
The tuxedo trousers are another standout. They offer an opportunity to experiment with formalwear without committing to an entire suit.
Pair them with a white shirt and polished black leather shoes for a wedding or black-tie-inspired evening. Alternatively, wear them with a fine-gauge knit for a more contemporary approach.
Then there are the embellished and gradient pieces.
These won’t be for every Australian bloke, and that’s precisely the point.
Fashion doesn’t always have to appeal to everyone.
HOW WE’D WEAR IT IN AUSTRALIA
The beauty of this collaboration with H&M is that its strongest menswear pieces can work well beyond the traditional red carpet.
The Sydney creative: Take a sharply tailored evening jacket, add black trousers, a fine knit or open-collar shirt, and finish with loafers. Ideal for gallery openings, film premieres or a sophisticated dinner.
The Melbourne minimalist: Keep it monochromatic. Black tuxedo trousers, a beautifully fitted white shirt and polished leather footwear. Understated, considered and effortlessly sharp.
The Brisbane socialite: Choose a lighter styling approach for warm evenings. A statement jacket over a simple shirt with tailored trousers offers a smart alternative to a conventional suit.
The modern groom: Look beyond the predictable wedding suit. A refined evening jacket or distinctive tuxedo trousers can bring individuality to a reception or second wedding look.
The key is to buy pieces that complement your existing wardrobe rather than purchasing an entire designer collaboration simply because it’s limited edition.
OUR VERDICT: A WELCOME RETURN TO THE ART OF DRESSING UP
It’s the attitude behind the clothes.
There’s confidence in the tailoring, romance in the eveningwear and a refreshing willingness to make dressing up feel special again.
For Australian men who have grown tired of the endless cycle of casual basics, this collaboration offers something different.
Would we buy every piece? Absolutely not.
Would we invest in a well-cut evening jacket, a pair of tuxedo trousers or a standout shirt that can be styled in several ways? Certainly worth considering.
The only reservation is whether the construction and fit live up to the promise of the design. That’s something best judged with the garment in hand.
MenStylePower’s verdict: 8/10 for design direction and menswear appeal. A promising collection that celebrates individuality and occasion dressing, with the final word on value reserved for an in-person quality assessment.
Because ultimately, gentlemen, style isn’t about how much money you spend.
It’s about knowing who you are, understanding what suits you and having the confidence to wear it.
And sometimes, a little glamour is exactly what the wardrobe needs.
H&M x Elie Saab launched 22 October 2026, online and at selected H&M stores. Availability varies by market and individual piece.
MenStylePower | Australian Men’s Fashion, Style & Culture
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