What We Are Reading Today: Cents and Sensibility 

Updated 06 September 2018
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What We Are Reading Today: Cents and Sensibility 

AUTHORS: Gary Saul Morson and Morton Schapiro

In Cents and Sensibility, an eminent literary critic and a leading economist make the case that the humanities — especially the study of literature — offer economists ways to make their models more realistic, their predictions more accurate, and their policies more effective and just.

Arguing that Adam Smith’s heirs include Austen, Chekhov, and Tolstoy as much as Keynes and Friedman, Gary Saul Morson and Morton Schapiro trace the connection between Adam Smith’s great classic, The Wealth of Nations, and his less celebrated book on ethics, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, says a review on the Princeton University Press website. 

The authors contend that a few decades later, Jane Austen invented her groundbreaking method of novelistic narration in order to give life to the empathy that Smith believed essential to humanity. 

More than anyone, the great writers can offer economists something they need—a richer appreciation of behavior, ethics, culture, and narrative. 


Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad show new couture collections in Paris

Updated 29 January 2026
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Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad show new couture collections in Paris

  • Saab’s collection uses light as central theme
  • Exploration of structure, movement by Murad

DUBAI: Lebanese designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad presented their Spring/Summer 2026 haute couture collections in Paris earlier this week.

Look 1 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Saab’s collection referenced light as a central theme, expressed through elongated silhouettes and layered embellishment, according to a statement from the brand.

Look 2 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

The runway featured gowns built on sheer bases, with metallic embroidery, sequins and crystal beadwork creating layered textures across champagne, gold, bronze and soft ivory tones.

Look 3 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Column dresses, deep necklines and floor-length gowns dominated the collection, while draped panels, embroidered capes and sheer overlays added movement.

Look 4 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Several looks incorporated fringed detailing and geometric patterns, with crystal embellishments catching the light as models walked.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

Accessories were kept minimal, allowing the focus to remain on craftsmanship and surface technique.

Meanwhile, Murad’s collection also placed craftsmanship at the center of the show.

Look 1 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

According to the house, the collection explored structure and movement, using corsetry to define the body and draping to create fluidity.

Look 2 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

The runway featured fitted gowns and sculpted eveningwear built around structured bodices, many finished with dense embroidery, crystals and metallic thread.

Look 3 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

A palette of champagne, pale blue, sage green, ivory and gold ran throughout the show, with strapless silhouettes, off-the-shoulder gowns and column dresses appearing alongside sheer panels, thigh-high slits and flowing trains.

Look 4 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

Shorter dresses with crystal-encrusted bodices were shown alongside floor-length gowns, with sheer layers and extended trains.