“Right now we have a new brand coming out titled Rêver, that features all the essentials brides need besides the gown – luxury swimwear, handcrafted boudoir, rehearsal dinner and bridal shower dresses. Stay tuned for more!” Designer Karen Sabag on what’s new at the brand
Celebrated across the globe for her intricate bridal creations and breathtaking couture design, Karen Sabag New York is quite the bridal force to be reckoned with. Born into a family of couturiers, it was from a young age that the designer discovered her innate skill and penchant for show-stopping design. Guided by her couturier mother, Lydia Sabag, before attending the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, it was in 2006 that Karen took over the sartorial reigns and launched her namesake brand, Karen Sabag New York. Every whimsical piece is painstakingly crafted, with the designer overseeing the development of every gown as its attended to by her skilled team of artisans, tailors and seamstresses. 2020 saw the launch of Karen Sabag’s second brand and first prêt-à-porter collection, RÊVER. This, alongside her couture service and instinctive creative flair, makes the label a highly desired and truly coveted brand far and wide…
I caught up with Karen (digitally, of course) to get the low down on her lockdown…
#1 We’ve just gone into Lockdown 3. In three words, describe how you are currently feeling…
“My poor brides”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine for your business and how this will change in lockdown…
“Nothing has really changed (besides masks!). There has been a lot more Zoom consultations compared to typically having brides fly in for their appointments.”
Hair @senadakxo
Makeup @glamourbydrita
#3 How will/does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
“The whole design and creating process has changed as a lot of the fabric shipments are very delayed. The time span of making a dress has expanded from six to eight months to now over a year.”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 @collinsnai (Photographer)
No.2 @elizagwendalynink (Stationary/Invites)
No.3 @dandreotticakes (Cake)
Haïr @avi_pinhasov
Makeup @Makeupbyrada
#5 Favourite lockdown snack?
“Cheese, crackers, and a glass of sangria. And no, this has stayed very consistent!”
#6 What’s your most recommended lockdown pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown? What’s getting you through the days?
“Spending time with my kids – I have two girls and a boy.”
Hair @senadakxo
Makeup @glamourbydrita
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket ( and consequently dreamt continuously about ) during lockdown? Toilet paper and paper towels!
#8 Name a dinner/meal or beverage choice you feel might bring someone joy to their lockdown life…
“Chocolate covered strawberries!”
#9 Talk us through what’s new at your brand…
“Right now we have a new brand coming out titled Rêver, that features all the essentials brides need besides the gown – luxury swimwear, handcrafted boudoir, rehearsal dinner and bridal shower dresses. Stay tuned for more!”
Haïr @avi_pinhasov
Makeup @Makeupbyrada
#10 What’s your lockdown outfit most days? Have you, say, developed an unhealthy attachment to the elasticated waists of your leggings like myself?
“I have never owned a pair of sneakers in my life until lockdown, and now I own about ten Golden Goose’s. I’ve figured out a way to dress them up and make them chic.”
#11 What series have you now completed on Netflix/Amazon Prime etc.? Any recommendations?
“There’s so many. I’m a big tv/Netflix girl. I typically watch while doing my work at home, so I fly through series weekly. Bridgerton, You, Good Girls, Kevin Hart’s stand up special – some of my favorites.”
Bride @candeegal09
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My grandma in Israel!”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“My kids and I started a deal that they will give me breakfast in bed every Friday!”
#14 For a little Instagram-escapism and positivity, what account would you recommend?
“I love pretty wedding Instagrams – they make me feel happy and calm. @stylemepretty is a great escape page!”
Haïr @avi_pinhasov
Makeup @Makeupbyrada
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Spending a lot of time with my family – that I typically didn’t get due to work.”
No.2 “Giving back. I recently began Sew4Lives (@sew4lives on Instagram) with my good friend Caroline Berti. We have donated over 20,000 masks to frontline workers.”
No.3 “My clientele and job!”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
“There’s a place called Kyma in Roslyn, NY that has the best feta cheese with raspberry dressing and zucchini chips.”
#17 What would be your five film recommendations to watch during lockdown…
“Harry Potter series, Very Ralph (a great documentary on Ralph Lauren), Malcolm & Marie, Wonder Woman, Twilight, and Fifty Shades of Grey.”
Hair @senadakxo
Makeup @glamourbydrita
#18 What book would be top of your lockdown book list?
“I love fashion coffee table books! I’m building a library in my house for all of my coffee table books.”
#19 Name an odd purchase you’ve made during lockdown…
“Tons and tons of swimsuits – I have a swimsuit obsession and it’s nice to dream about taking a vacation on a beautiful island.”
#20 The best gift you received this festive period?
“More time with my family.”
#21 Name a brand you would love to collaborate with…
“Chanel.”
Hair @senadakxo
Makeup @glamourbydrita
#22 What’s your advice to lockdown brides?
“Don’t over wait, get married, life is too short. Don’t have an overly glamorous wedding if it means you have to wait a few years.”
#23 Your favourite beverage?
“Sangria and a caramel coffee with whipped cream.”
Hair @senadakxo
Makeup @glamourbydrita
#24 Name your favourite magazine to curl up with.
“Vogue (European and Australian). I buy them monthly…I really should get a subscription.”
Want to discover more (and potentially your wedding dress?) Head to Karen Sabag New York’s website STAT.
Want to read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, boutiques and designers? Head on over to the Bridal Editor WFH Diary page.
Aww I just stumbled across this page and have binged through them all. Such a great read and good to see lesser known designers and their work getting valuable recognition. Thank you for sharing.
Cynthia
http://www.ouimadam.com