Effa Al Dabbagh is a Saudi fashion designer, based in Dubai. Her fashion label ‘Effa’ is a unique fusion of Middle Eastern and European influences. Today I want to share more about ‘Effa’ the label and the woman behind it and I also want to share my favorite pieces from her SS15 Abaya (traditional garment in the Gulf) Couture collection ‘Secret Garden’ and her latest (Ramadan) collection ‘Pearlesque’ which includes elegant looks for Ramadan.
Effa Al Dabbagh – Background story
Effa studied fashion in the United Kingdom and began her career working as a brand manager and fashion buyer for internationally acclaimed brands like Valentino, Herve Leger and Paul Smith. In 2004 she worked as an independent fashion buyer and consultant. Two years later she decided to return to her true passion: fashion design, launching her first collection in the summer of 2006. In 2011 she launched her first boutique in Dubai and was named ‘Top 100 leaders inspiring a Kingdom – Saudi Arabia’s Entrepreneurial Elite’ by Forbes Middle East in 2014.
EFFA
The label was launched in 2006 and releases two different collections every season: Abaya couture and ready to wear (focused on evening wear). Effa is inspired by Middle Eastern culture and the French and Italian designers brands that she has worked for in the past. Her label is for independent, modern women. Effa aims at bringing out the best of the female form, her designs are very feminine. She also likes to experiment with different colors, luxurious fabrics, new cuts and drapery. The Abaya is a traditional garment in the Gulf countries and is, in the West, mostly known as a modest black gown. Effa reinvented this traditional gown by adding in color, embroidery, playing with different cuts and draping the fabric in different ways. Very innovative and modern! I absolutely adore her Abaya’s, they have a European flair and are very stylish.
Ramadan 2015 ‘Pearlesque’ and SS15 ‘Secret Garden’
I have added my favorite looks from Effa’s Ramadan 2015 collection ‘Pearlesque’ and her SS15 ‘Secret Garden’ collection. The holy month of Ramadan is coming up and this is THE moment for those fasting to invest in a few beautiful modest gowns, for the family visits for example. The ‘Pearlesque’ collection includes Ramadan dresses, Kaftans and Abayas in beautiful soft, pastel shades like pink and also brighter, more vivid shades like green and blue. Perfect for the summer! The SS2015 Secret Garden collection is inspired by the romance and beauty of the summer gardens of England and Switzerland. The Abaya couture collection also introduces a kimono inspired shape and also includes bright spring/summer colors combined with traditional black. I absolutely adore the kimono style Abaya’s from the SS15 collection and my favorite from the ‘Pearlesque’ collection is a blue/black Abaya, which looks a lot like a luxurious cape and has beautiful details in the shape of leaves. It is tres chic!
Let me know which item from the gallery is your favorite…
Visit www.effa.ae for more information about EFFA
Wishing you a blessed Ramadan
Ramadan collection images by harrycruzphotography