Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Apr 21, 2013 - Haute couture designer Essa pose for a portrait at his apartment. ( Jaime Puebla / The National Newspaper )
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Apr 21, 2013 - Haute couture designer Essa pose for a portrait at his apartment. ( Jaime Puebla / The National Newspaper )
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Apr 21, 2013 - Haute couture designer Essa pose for a portrait at his apartment. ( Jaime Puebla / The National Newspaper )
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Apr 21, 2013 - Haute couture designer Essa pose for a portrait at his apartment. ( Jaime Puebla / The National Newspaper )

The National

Fashion Forward Day 3: Backstage with Essa

Rebecca McLaughlin Duane

October 17, 2013

  • English
  • Arabic

Essa’s catwalk show kicks off in under an hour at FFWD in Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah. We grab 5 minutes with the designer before the curtain rises.

How he's feeling: "Amazing! A little excited buzzed up, a little tired, a little sweaty!"

What he's sending down the runway: "Vintage, soft, floaty, rare pieces mixed in with modern, futuristic fabrics. I'm trying to do something a little different and more 'stand-out'."

What's he's loving this season: "Plenty of lace, I'm really feeling old lace for Spring/Summer. Lace is a big thing for women as they carry it through from childhood; christenings, underwear, nighties, weddings etc."

Who his muses were: "Two girls I'm working with, my director and my fashion assistant, called Najeh and Samya."

https://www.facebook.com/loveessa

UAE