Essa's In Town

Essa boutique recently opened in Villa Moda Shuwaikh next to Marni boutique. Essa, of Indian origin, was born and bred in the UAE and is known for its color crazy traditional kaftans with a modern twist. Vibrant chiffons, found vintage fabrics, and silk and lace, are just some of the materials that he works together to enhance the feminine form on his colorful gowns, frocks, tops and dresses. Some of his Kaftan designs would make the perfect choice for Ramadan's ghabga.

Essa’s path to fashion notoriety began following studies at the more flamboyant end of fashion: a degree in costume design preceded his return to his native Sharjah where he trained as a pattern cutter with the skilled tailors in neighboring Dubai. He sold his creations through XVA Gallery in Dubai and started to build a business on one-off commissions from fans. But it was a fortuitous meeting with Zayan Ghandour owner of Sauce boutique in Dubai that really put Essa on the local fashion map. Ghandour’s initial request for six pieces sold out the moment they hit her shop’s floor and he had to quickly up his production ante to cope with growing demand.

Essa is available at Sauce Dubai and Abu Dhabi, DNA in Riyadh, Mahat Jeddah and Zai Doha.