Hand Painted Designs from Ema Savahl | Miami Designer

It all started 27 years ago with a butterfly top and a dream that transformed Ema Koja into a fashion designer to the stars. Her hand-painted dresses have been worn by celebrities like Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Paris Hilton, and many more.

Ema was born in Albania and under communist rule, as a young child, she learned to sew. She also played competitive volleyball and later turned professional. The collapse of communism prompted her family to move to Italy where she became a professional volleyball player. Later, she moved to Miami and became a fit model. She started hand-painting clothes on sheer fabric and her first design — the butterfly top — put her on the map in the mid90s. This year, she brought the butterfly top back.

I recently sat down with Ema and learned all about how she got her start in fashion and what’s on the horizon for her in 2023.

Ema Savahl Couture is made in Miami. She is the opening designer at this year’s 2023 Miami Swim Week.

Website: emasavahl.com