Brands Like SemSem: 8 Eveningwear Houses to Know

If you like SemSem for its plissé gowns, kaftans and restrained crystal, the closest houses are Safiyaa, Taller Marmo, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Marmar Halim, Gemy Maalouf, Saiid Kobeisy and Costarellos. Each shares one part of the SemSem formula. Start with SemSem at Coveti and our designer evening gowns, then compare below.

Key facts

• SemSem: New York, founded 2015, plissé, kaftans, crystal, strong modest offer
• Closest for structure: Safiyaa
• Closest for kaftans: Taller Marmo
• Closest for red carpet glamour: Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad
• Closest for pleats: Marmar Halim and Gemy Maalouf

At a glance

1. Safiyaa

The London house shares SemSem’s love of a clean, architectural line and a cape. Where SemSem adds crystal, Safiyaa relies on cut alone. Try the Rossa Dazzling Red Long Dress next to the Engineered Plissé Bustier Maxi Dress in Navy.

2. Taller Marmo

The kaftan specialist. Taller Marmo is breezier, with feathers and fringe, while SemSem kaftans are closer to gowns. Compare the Mila Satin Kaftan in Midnight Blue with the Navy Silk Chiffon Kaftan Dress, and see our kaftan dresses edit.

3. Elie Saab

For long sleeved glamour with more embroidery. The Printed Chiffon Kaftan is the Elie Saab answer to a SemSem kaftan.

4. Zuhair Murad

When you want more sparkle and more sheer than SemSem. The Pleated Long Dress is a pleated long dress that bridges the two.

5. Marmar Halim

The Dubai couturier works in pleated silk at a grander scale. The One-Shoulder Pleated Silk Dress in Lilac is the closest to SemSem’s one shoulder plissé.

6. Gemy Maalouf

Lebanese plissé, softer and more romantic. The Loose-Cut Plissé Dress and the Draped Back Loose-Cut Kaftan share SemSem’s modest instinct.

7. Saiid Kobeisy

For sequins and beadwork in kaftan and one shoulder shapes. Look at the One Shoulder Sequin Long Dress in Green.

8. Costarellos

The Athens label pairs plissé with silk velvet and lace. The Senna Plissé Silk Velvet Lace Gown is the one to compare with SemSem’s plissé gowns.

Which should you choose?

• You want plissé that moves: SemSem, Gemy Maalouf, Costarellos. See our pleated and plissé dresses.
• You want a kaftan for evening: SemSem, Taller Marmo, Saiid Kobeisy.
• You want full coverage for a Gulf wedding: SemSem, Safiyaa, Elie Saab. See modest evening dresses.
• You want maximum sparkle: Zuhair Murad, Saiid Kobeisy, and our sequin dresses edit.

Frequently asked questions

What brands are similar to SemSem?

Safiyaa, Taller Marmo, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Marmar Halim, Gemy Maalouf, Saiid Kobeisy and Costarellos all share part of the SemSem formula of pleats, kaftans and evening glamour.

Is SemSem a Middle Eastern brand?

SemSem is based in New York. Its founder, Abeer Shoukry Al Otaiba, grew up in Egypt and lived in the Emirates, and that background shapes the kaftans and modest cuts.

Which brand is like SemSem but less expensive?

Gemy Maalouf and Saiid Kobeisy offer plissé and kaftan styles at similar prices. For daywear in the same spirit, look at pleated pieces from Max Mara.

Which SemSem alternative is best for modest dressing?

Safiyaa and Elie Saab, for long sleeves and high necklines, and Taller Marmo for kaftans.