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Image for Relative value: Dynamic design duo
© XPRESS/Pankaj Sharma
Maria with her mother Ekaterina.
Published: October 09, 2008, 09:00

Relative value: Dynamic design duo

By Pauline M. Forte, Staff Reporter

As a fashionwear range, the latest collection by Dubai’s famous mother and daughter duo of Ekaterina and Maria couldn’t have been more international.

Inspired by their travels around Europe, the dresses are conceptualised in the UAE, manufactured in Italy, designed by Russians and were showcased at a fair in Germany.

Comprising evening dresses, wedding and ball gowns, cocktail dresses and jalabiyas, the collection is made of ultra modern lightweight fabrics such as alençon and chantilly lace, chiffon, natural silk and royal organza. The outfits incorporate classical styles for prêt-a-porter and haute couture and have a contemporary look about them.

"We interpret Western cuts with heavy embellishment of Arab embroidery," said Maria, adding that the combination works well for women irrespective of where they come from.

Her mother Ekaterina moved to Dubai as a young designer 15 years ago. And now Maria is following in her footsteps. A graduate in graphic design from the American University in Dubai, Maria helps Ekaterina by pitching in with new design ideas. "I think it’s every girl’s dream to design dresses," she said.

Maria attributes the success of the brand to the wide range of sizes (from UK size two to 24) in which their collection is available. The prices range from Dh2,000 to Dh15,000 for wedding dresses and from Dh490 to Dh1,500 for evening wear.

 
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