about us

Ema Koja is not just in the fashion business. Her work is about color, line, and composition: it's expressly wearable art, and without limitations. Where there could be plain lace, there's delicate appliqué, and where there are painted swirls, blooms, and buds. Welcome to Ema Savahl Design. It's not difficult to see that Ema Koja's a true artist. Working out of her spacious Miami studio as the owner and designer of Ema Savahl Design, she develops sketches fit for the canvas, but on fine fabric in a multitude of trend-conscious, sophisticated designs. With a strong sense of pattern, fit, and color, Koja's designs have captivated collectors and celebrities alike. Tyra Banks, Paula Abdul, Kelly Clarkson, and Paris Hilton have indulged in Ema Savahl Design, amongst countless jet setters and fashion mavens coast to coast. Since establishing the brand in 1998, designer Ema Koja has employed a signature technique that remains constant in her designs. Each piece begins as a painted work of art constructed on a canvas, which is then translated into wearable garment. Through her designs, Koja sparks a desire in people to become inspired to create their own artistic style. In 1999, the Butterfly Top quickly became the brand’s signature top when musical group Eden’s Crush, led by pop-sensation Nicole Scherzinger, wore them during their Get Over Yourself music video. Playing off of the Butterfly design, the 3D Flower Technique was created and attracted the attention of Paris Hilton, Brooke Burke and Paula Abdul who have all been captured wearing the top on the red carpet. Koja's work might be internationally recognized, but it wasn't just her talent that propelled her to the top. A native of Albania, she grew up amongst fine tailors and designers, as well as a highly athletic family members who inspired her pursue a finer understanding of anatomy and physiology-and a career as an athlete. As a European professional volleyball player, Ema Koja found herself training and traveling far beyond the limitations of communist Eastern Europe. It was then off to Italy for Koja, where she worked with Blumarine, PARAH, and Off Limits and dedicated herself to artistic development. After honing her pattern making skills and indulging her creative side, Koja traded cold winters for the warmer climes of Miami, Florida. Using her intuitive knowledge of the human form, she began to construct garments for herself that tested the limits of both art design, quickly gathering a following of private clients. Simply not content to dabble in standard garment design, Koja employed a technique that remains a collection signature: constructing garments based on her painted work on canvas. Koja remains involved in each step of Ema Savahl production, overseeing the design process and examining her work in stages to ensure quality production. Ema Savahl Design's ever-expanding reach now includes cities throughout the United States as well as London, Paris, Dubai, Cannes, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Zürich, and Riyadh.