Every piece in Eliane Sarr’s collection begins with the organic flow, weight and texture of the material itself, allowing the textile to dictate the final silhouette. Launched in Dubai eight years ago, her label, Savanna, draws directly from a personal trajectory that moves from the craft-heavy atmosphere of her childhood in Dakar to the clean lines of European tailoring she encountered in France. This dual heritage drives her to bypass mass market textiles in favour of sourcing raw silks, linens and cottons directly from master makers across West Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia, ensuring traditional craftsmanship remains central to Savanna’s identity.
The label’s latest collection, Back to Roots: Edition II, continues to support its zero-waste blueprint. Built on four operational pillars – Consciousness, Up-Cycling, Community and Culture – the pieces combine repurposed textiles with garment construction to deliver a product that honours the crafts that contributed to its creation. Below, Sarr breaks down the philosophy behind Savanna’s latest collection, her creative influences and what it takes to bring zero-waste design to the regional fashion landscape.
How do your memories of growing up in Dakar and living in France influence your creative choices and your perspective on what modern luxury means?
Growing up in Dakar surrounded me with colour, energy and an appreciation for craftsmanship. Living in France introduced me to refinement, structure and the enduring value of quality. Modern luxury, for me, exists at the intersection of those influences. It is emotional, intentional and deeply personal. It is about craftsmanship over excess, meaning over trends, and creating pieces that people will treasure for years rather than seasons.
How has Dubai’s unique fashion and cultural landscape shaped the growth and identity of the brand over nearly a decade?
Dubai is one of the few places in the world where so many cultures coexist and inspire one another daily. For Savanna, it has been the perfect home. The city has allowed us to create collections that speak to women from different backgrounds while maintaining a strong sense of identity. Dubai’s appreciation for craftsmanship, luxury and individuality has encouraged us to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in authenticity. It is a city that celebrates ambition, and that spirit has certainly shaped the brand’s evolution over the past eight years.
Since you explore patterns and textiles from diverse cultures all over the world, how do you approach cultural exchange respectfully to ensure that every garment genuinely honours its roots?
Respect always begins with learning. Before we work with a craft, motif or textile tradition, we invest time in understanding its history, symbolism and cultural significance. Whenever possible, we collaborate directly with artisans and communities who are custodians of those techniques. For me, it is never about borrowing aesthetics, it is about celebrating heritage, preserving knowledge and creating meaningful dialogue between cultures. Every collection is designed with gratitude for the stories that came before it.
What are the most rewarding aspects of preserving artisanal traditions while reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens?
The most rewarding part is knowing that these extraordinary skills continue to have relevance in today’s world. Artisans carry generations of knowledge, and I see design as a bridge between past and present. When a woman wears a contemporary Savanna piece that incorporates traditional craftsmanship, she becomes part of that story. There is something incredibly meaningful about preserving heritage while allowing it to evolve and reach new audiences.
How do you see these values shifting the mindset of the modern fashion consumer, particularly when it comes to adopting a more mindful relationship with design?
Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in understanding the story behind what they wear. They want transparency, purpose and connection. I believe these pillars encourage people to move away from disposable consumption and towards thoughtful investment pieces. When fashion becomes a reflection of values rather than simply trends, the relationship between the wearer and the garment becomes far more meaningful.
Given the irregular nature of repurposed textiles, how do you ensure the final garments in Back to Roots: Edition II still deliver the luxury finish Savanna is known for?
Working with upcycled materials requires flexibility, patience and a different design mindset. Rather than forcing a material to fit a predetermined concept, we allow the textile to guide part of the creative process. The challenge is maintaining consistency in craftsmanship, construction and finishing. Every detail, from pattern cutting to hand-finishing, is approached with the same precision as our couture-inspired pieces. Luxury, to me, is not defined by newness; it is defined by care, intention and exceptional execution.
How do you style your favourite Savanna pieces?
I love contrasts. One day I might wear an intricately crafted statement jacket with simple tailored trousers and flat sandals, another day I will style a dramatic evening piece with minimal jewellery. I believe the garment should speak for itself. The women who wear Savanna are often confident and expressive, so I like styling pieces in a way that feels natural rather than overly curated.
Where is your summer wardrobe taking you this year, and what fabrics are you packing?
I am always drawn to destinations that allow me to reconnect with nature and culture. My suitcase will certainly include lightweight silks, cottons, hemp blends and airy organzas. I love fabrics that move beautifully and feel effortless in warm climates. Summer dressing should feel elegant but uncomplicated, a balance of comfort, sophistication and freedom.
What is the feeling you want a woman to have the moment she steps out in Savanna?
I want her to feel confident, empowered, completely herself and undaunted. Not transformed into someone else, simply elevated. The woman wears the garment, not the other way around. If she feels beautiful, comfortable and connected to the story behind what she is wearing, then we have achieved exactly what Savanna was created to do.
Originally published in the July/August issue of MOJEH Magazine. Subscribe here
