SEXY, RICH AND LUXURIOUS BUT always comfortable—that’s how women’s wear should be. And Sabrina Artadi sure knows how to dress up a woman, as she models her own design called the Marrakesh Collection.

“I’ve always had the passion for clothes. And my creations are influenced by my stay in Jeddah,” says the former Binibining Pilipinas-International titleholder, who stayed in Saudi Arabia in the ’90s after she married an Arab.

The union didn’t last, but there she learned the basics of Middle Eastern couture. She managed a spa in Jeddah and her clients would like her clothes and eventually ask her to make one for them. Her customers included prominent women and members of the royal family.

“I designed wedding gowns and party dresses,” she says. “But not softly beaded white ones, they want things with all the works! Heavy lace, grandiose fabrics, beads all over—the sexier, the better.”

Business was good; she hired five Filipina seamstresses as she had to produce three gowns every 10 days, even importing embroidery from Patis Tesoro in Manila to Jeddah. Artadi was able to mount a successful fashion show, attended by well-known Jeddah women, before she left for Manila.

Moroccan-inspired

The Marrakesh Collection is definitely Moroccan. The pieces have metallic accents seen in ropes and cord piping. These are luxe loungewear that could take you from the beach to cocktails with the right accessories.

Artadi, mother of two boys ages 18 and 19, said summer is her peak season, when she produces 13-14 pieces a week.

Women in their late 20s up troop to her shop in Alabang, called the “Caribbean Kubo” to check out her latest designs.

The items come in two basic designs: the robe-like ankle-length tie-up dress perfect for lithe frames; and the tunic that can be paired with leggings or jeans for casual days. Both come in one size that would fit most body types.

Her Middle Eastern regulars loved the exclusivity of her dresses; the Marrakesh Collection offers the same novelty.

“These are different from off-the-rack items and no two pieces are the same,” says Artadi.

The cover-ups come in animal-prints, floral and paisley with gold or silver coil or lace details. Plain tunics with subtle beading and keyhole necklines are available for those who like simpler designs. They are made of sheer chiffon, soft tulle and jersey, which are fully washable and dry easily, making them perfect for the beach.

Low-maintenance

These flowy resort wear are low-maintenance and fit for on-the-go women like herself, says Artadi, who also works as business development manager in a company in Parañaque.

“They are non-restricting, unique and men love them!” she adds. “You can look elegant and sexy without going over the top.”

If things work well, the Marrakesh Collection will be available in malls within the year. For now, Artadi is working on producing accessories to go with her dresses and tops—bags and slippers in native materials like raffia, banig and sawali.

“The texture of these materials goes well with the clothes, giving you that fresh, polished and relaxed look,” she says.

For details, Sabrina Artadi at 0918-9464646 or e-mail her at sabrinagt06@yahoo.com.