Sabrina Elba Makes Fashion Statement at Elie Saab Paris Show
Sabrina Elba, the model wife of acclaimed British actor Sir Idris Elba, commanded attention on Wednesday afternoon as she occupied a prime front-row seat at Elie Saab's latest haute couture presentation in Paris. The event, part of the prestigious Haute Couture Fashion Week, saw Elba joined by fellow style icon Poppy Delevingne, with both women showcasing sophisticated ensembles from the celebrated Lebanese designer.
Elegant Ensembles Steal the Spotlight
Sabrina Elba, aged 36, made a striking impression in a plunging beige gown crafted from breezy silk. The dress was distinctively cinched with a snakeskin belt, accentuating her physique as she greeted onlookers and made her entrance into the Parisian venue. She completed the look with a pair of matching heels, embodying the epitome of chic style ahead of the spring-summer 2026 collection unveiling.
Poppy Delevingne, the 39-year-old older sister of model and actress Cara Delevingne, claimed her own share of the limelight. She opted for an elegant black cut-out top paired with matching dress trousers and a chic black blazer. Keeping accessories minimal, she rounded off her ensemble with a simple leather belt, presenting a polished and modern aesthetic.
A Gathering of Fashion Luminaries
The front row was graced by several special guests, including actress Amy Jackson and model Victoria Silvstedt, who were present to witness the debut of Saab's new collection. The designer described the line as "a vibrant and versatile collection for the woman who leaves an indelible impression everywhere she goes." Other notable attendees included fashion influencer Leonie Hanne, model Cindy Bruna, and style maven Olivia Palermo alongside her husband Johannes Huebl, all mingling in the French capital.
Fashion Meets Philanthropy: The Elba Legacy
Sabrina Elba's appearance at the fashion event follows closely on the heels of her husband's recent knighthood, awarded for his dedicated services to young people. Sir Idris Elba has long been a vocal campaigner against youth violence, founding the initiative Don’t Stop Your Future (DSYF). This programme collaborates with grassroots community organisations in a concerted effort to combat knife crime across the UK.
In 2024, Sir Idris called for an immediate ban on machetes and so-called zombie knives, meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to launch a new anti-knife crime coalition. His advocacy was further highlighted in the BBC documentary Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis, where he engaged with young offenders, bereaved families, youth workers, and police to explore the rising trend in knife-related incidents.
The Elba Hope Foundation and Creative Futures
Together with his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Sir Idris established the Elba Hope Foundation, an international grant-making charity. Its mission is to invest in projects focused on "empowerment through education, economic opportunity, and entrepreneurship." Reflecting on his knighthood, Sir Idris stated, "I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation."
He emphasised the need for sustained, practical support for youth, adding, "I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence."
In a significant partnership, the Elba Hope Foundation joined forces with The Prince’s Trust in 2024 to launch Creative Futures. This project offers free courses designed to build the skills and confidence necessary for young people not in work, education, or training to pursue careers in creative industries such as music, theatre, and the arts. Sir Idris, who was himself supported by The Prince’s Trust as a teenager, continues to work closely with the charity.
A Multifaceted Career Beyond Fashion
Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Sir Idris Elba boasts a diverse and celebrated career in entertainment. He is renowned for his starring role in the series Luther, his portrayal of Stringer Bell in The Wire, and his performance as Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. His voice work includes Knuckles The Echidna in the Sonic The Hedgehog film adaptations.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he appeared as Heimdall in six films beginning with Thor, and in the DC Extended Universe as Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad. Sir Idris made his directorial debut with Yardie and also performs as a DJ under the names DJ Big Driis or Idris, as well as an R&B singer, showcasing his versatile talents across multiple artistic domains.
