Safiyaa Bow Dresses: Crystal, Velvet and Satin Bows

A Safiyaa bow dress uses a single sculpted bow as its one point of detail: crystal on the new Ardine gown and the Amia midi, velvet on the Arda and the Harley, satin at the back of the Mallory and the Zeila. It is the house version of the bow dress, and on Coveti the Safiyaa pieces run from $1,780 to $5,700.

Bows are the party detail of the season; UK searches for bow dresses climb to their yearly high in November and December. Safiyaa, the London eveningwear label founded in 2011, uses them sparingly. A bow sits on an otherwise clean heavy crepe line, so it reads as structure rather than decoration. This guide sorts the Safiyaa bow dresses by where the bow sits, because that decides how the dress wears.

Where does the bow sit on a Safiyaa dress?

On a Safiyaa dress the bow sits at one of three points: the neckline, the waist, the back.

A neckline bow draws the eye to the face and suits a halter and a square neckline. A waist bow, set on an embroidered belt, defines the figure. A back bow keeps the front plain and gives the dress a moment as you walk away, which is why brides and wedding guests like it.

Which Safiyaa bow dresses are on Coveti?

Nine styles carry a bow, from the new Ardine to the ballet pink Zeila mini.

Which bow dress is the party choice?

The Ardine and the Arda: both are halter columns with a bow at the front of the neckline.

The Ardine Embroidered Long Dress in Black with Crystal ($3,270) traces crystal embroidery along the neckline and straps into a statement crystal bow. There is also a tonal Ardine in black where the embroidery is black. The Arda Sequin Long Dress in Silver covers the column in silver sequins and ties black velvet into a bow at the front. Both feature in our Safiyaa halter neck dresses guide.

Which bow dress suits a wedding?

The Jahna and the Mallory are cut for weddings, with the bow at the waist and the back.

Safiyaa designs the Jahna Embroidered Long Dress in Lilac Snow for mothers of the bride, wedding guests and bridesmaids: an A-line gown with an asymmetric twist neckline and a crystal-embroidered belt finished in a crystal bow. The Mallory Long Dress In Jewel Green is a sleeveless heavy crepe shift gown with a crew neckline and a bow and sash at the back. See our Safiyaa mother of the bride dresses guide for more.

Which bow dress is the most dramatic?

The Zafira and the Harley: one is a fishtail gown, the other has a floor-length cape.

The Zafira Long Dress in Swinton and Black ($4,580) has a strapless Tech Duchess bodice with sculptural pleating and a dramatic bow, flowing into a fishtail skirt of layered Micro chiffon. The Harley Long Dress in Black has a contrast velvet cape that falls from the shoulders and velvet bows at the square neckline, which also gives it coverage.

How should you style a bow dress?

Let the bow be the only statement.

• Neckline bow: no necklace, small earrings, hair up.
• Waist bow: a slim clutch held low; skip a second belt.
• Back bow: hair up so the bow shows, and a coat worn open.

How are bow dresses worn around the world?

In the UK, a bow dress is a Christmas party staple, and the Zeila mini and the Ardine both fit that brief. In the United States, the Zafira and Arda suit gala season. In Europe, a back bow on a clean column like the Mallory is a classic wedding guest look. In the Gulf, the caped Harley and the long-sleeved Amia midi need no extra layering.

What size Safiyaa bow dress should you buy?

Safiyaa says its dresses fit true to size; Coveti offers them in UK sizes 4 to 18.

For belted styles such as the Amia and Jahna, choose by your waist measurement. The house model is 175cm and wears a FR36. See the Safiyaa size guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Safiyaa make bow dresses?

Yes. Coveti stocks nine Safiyaa styles with a bow, including the Ardine, Arda, Amia, Jahna, Harley, Zafira, Morag, Mallory and Zeila.

Which Safiyaa dress has a crystal bow?

The Ardine has a crystal bow at the front of its halter neckline. The Amia and Jahna have a crystal bow on an embroidered belt.

Is a bow dress suitable for a wedding?

Yes. The Jahna is designed for mothers of the bride and wedding guests, and the Mallory has a bow and sash at the back.

What is the most formal Safiyaa bow dress?

The Zafira, a strapless fishtail gown with a pleated Tech Duchess bodice and bow, is designed for red-carpet dressing and formal events.

How do you style a dress with a bow?

Treat the bow as the only statement: no necklace with a neckline bow, no second belt with a waist bow, hair up with a back bow.

How much are Safiyaa bow dresses?

On Coveti they range from $1,780 for the Zeila mini to $5,700 for the Arda sequin gown.