SemSem
SemSem
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SemSem is the New York eveningwear house founded in October 2015 by Abeer Shoukry Al Otaiba. Coveti stocks 87+ styles from SemSem, one of its 230+ designer brands. Edit updated 31 October 2026.
SemSem is the New York eveningwear house founded in October 2015 by Abeer Shoukry Al Otaiba. Its name is Arabic for sesame seed, a nickname for her daughter Samia, and its handwriting is pressed plissé, hand set crystal and the closed evening kaftan. Start with who SemSem is and the SemSem dresses guide, then shop SemSem evening gowns, the Gold Pleated Metallic Lamé Gown and the Navy Silk Chiffon Kaftan Dress; check the SemSem size guide before you order, and compare brands like SemSem.
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Feather and Tinsel-Embellished Silk-Blend Crepe de Chine Mini Skirt in Blush
$1,570
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Asymmetric Sequined Tulle Midi Dress in Silver
$2,010
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Frequently asked questions
Is Coveti authentic?
Yes. We operate a closed 'Protocol Network'. Every item is sourced directly from verified boutiques and brand distributors. We offer a 100% Money Back Authenticity Guarantee.
Do I have to pay customs duties?
Coveti ships every order Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): import duties and taxes are not included in the price and are paid to the courier on delivery.
How do I cancel a Private Client Sourcing request?
Requests made via our Private Client Concierge can be cancelled before the deposit is paid. Once a deposit is secured, the sourcing process is final and non-refundable.
How do I know my Coveti pieces are authentic?
Every piece is verified by our authentication team before it ships, with provenance documented where available.
Can a Coveti stylist help me choose?
Yes — our personal stylists offer complimentary one-to-one appointments, virtual or in person, across occasionwear, bridal and everyday luxury.
Do prices include duties and taxes?
Duties and taxes are calculated at checkout for your destination, so there are no surprises on delivery.
Can a Coveti stylist help me choose Clothing?
Yes — our personal stylists offer complimentary one-to-one appointments to help you select clothing, virtual or in person.
Can you source a sold-out Clothing piece or size?
Often, yes — through our Blind Network we can locate sold-out clothing styles and sizes, usually within 7–14 days.
Can a Coveti stylist help me choose Dresses?
Yes — our personal stylists offer complimentary one-to-one appointments to help you select dresses, virtual or in person.
Can you source a sold-out Dresses piece or size?
Often, yes — through our Blind Network we can locate sold-out dresses styles and sizes, usually within 7–14 days.
Can a Coveti stylist help me choose Maxi Dresses?
Yes — our personal stylists offer complimentary one-to-one appointments to help you select maxi dresses, virtual or in person.
Can you source a sold-out Maxi Dresses piece or size?
Often, yes — through our Blind Network we can locate sold-out maxi dresses styles and sizes, usually within 7–14 days.
How are items sourced and how long does it take?
Source through Blind Network — typically 7–14 days.
SemSem at Coveti
The founder grew up in Egypt, was schooled in French and trained as a civil engineer before she spent years in the Emirates, and you can read each chapter in the clothes: pleats set with an engineer’s precision, a restrained cut, and long sleeves, high necks and floor lengths that make SemSem a natural choice for Gulf weddings, Eid and Ramadan evenings. Pieces are made in New York City and in select cities abroad, some in Italy, and each season the house supports a non-profit for women and children.
What Coveti stocks
Our SemSem edit covers plissé lamé gowns in gold, silver, navy and cobalt; sequinned tulle gowns in gold and sky blue; crystal trimmed silk slips in indigo and emerald; kaftans in silk chiffon, jersey and ombré sequins; cocktail minis; and plissé separates, including the Gold Sunray Plissé Maxi Skirt and Pleated Wide Leg Trousers. Every piece is authenticated by Coveti and ships worldwide.
The Coveti editor’s guide to SemSem
For black tie, choose a plissé column and keep the jewellery to one earring; see our black tie dresses guide. For a Gulf wedding, a kaftan does the work of a gown with full coverage; our kaftan dresses edit and modest wedding guest dresses have more. One shoulder gowns are a house strength, compared in our one-shoulder gowns, and the pleats are covered in pleated and plissé dresses and the pleated skirts edit.
Sizing
SemSem cuts in US sizes, shown on Coveti in UK sizes: US 0 to 14 is UK 4 to 18, and a few styles start at US 00 (UK 2). Kaftans and silk shirt dresses come in Small, Medium and Large. Size to the bust on bustier styles; plissé is forgiving, so take your usual size. Many gowns are made to order in about two to three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded SemSem?
Abeer Shoukry Al Otaiba founded SemSem in New York in October 2015 and is its creative director.
What does SemSem mean?
SemSem is Arabic for sesame seed, the nickname of the founder’s daughter, Samia.
Where is SemSem made?
In New York City and in select cities abroad, with some styles made in Italy.
Is SemSem good for modest dressing?
Yes. Much of the collection has long sleeves, high necklines and floor lengths, and the kaftans give full coverage.
Does SemSem run true to size?
Yes. SemSem follows standard US sizing; size to the bust on bustier styles.
✎ Editor’s edit: Styling SemSem with our AI Stylist →
Our current SemSem edit: a tight selection you can refine with the stylist.
Coveti curates 80+ pieces by SemSem, sourced and authenticated.