Safiyaa Column Dresses: The Roshana, Giorgia and Relena

A Safiyaa column dress is a straight, floor-length gown in stretch heavy crepe that falls from the bust to the floor without a flare, such as the off-the-shoulder Giorgia, the one-shoulder Relena and the Roshana. It is the house’s core shape and the cleanest way into column dresses; on Coveti they start at $2,150.

Safiyaa was founded in London in 2011 by Daniela Karnuts, and the column is the shape most associated with the label. The heavy crepe it uses, labelled 92 percent polyester and 8 percent elastane, has enough weight and stretch to hold a straight line from bust to floor without clinging. The detail goes into the neckline and one accent, such as a sash, a bow, a feather trim. This guide compares the column gowns on Coveti and explains which neckline suits which event.

What is a column dress?

A column dress is a narrow, straight, floor-length gown with no full skirt.

It reads as modern and formal, and it photographs well because the line is uninterrupted. The trade-off is movement: a column needs a slit, stretch too, to walk in, which Safiyaa provides through its stretch crepe and, on some styles, a slit.

Which Safiyaa column dresses are on Coveti?

The table compares six columns, from the sequin Roshan to the bridal Azrael.

Which neckline should you choose?

Strapless for black tie, off-the-shoulder for weddings and galas, one-shoulder for a modern bridal look.

The Roshana is the strapless signature, and the Roshan Sequin Long Dress in Silver is its party version; see our Safiyaa sequin dresses guide. The Giorgia Long Dress in Black and Ivory and Giorgia Long Dress in Azurite ($2,900 each) have an off-the-shoulder neckline with a structured shoulder, a satin sash and a detachable Jonia Belt. The Relena Long Dress in Ivory with Crystal ($3,270) is a bridal column with an asymmetric neckline that leaves one shoulder bare, edged in satin with two crystal buttons. The Azrael Long Dress in Ivory with Feathers ($2,150) is a strapless bridal column with a feather-trimmed neckline.

Who suits a column dress?

A column suits tall and straight figures most naturally, but the Safiyaa versions work for more shapes because the crepe skims rather than clings.

If you want more waist definition, choose the Giorgia with its belt, else look at the peplum shapes in our Safiyaa peplum dresses guide. For volume below the waist, the fishtail and A-line gowns in our Safiyaa evening gowns guide are the better route.

How should you style a Safiyaa column?

Keep the line unbroken: a slim heel, a small clutch and jewellery chosen for the neckline.

• Strapless: drop earrings, sometimes a fine necklace, hair up and sleek.
• Off-the-shoulder: earrings only, nothing at the neck.
• One-shoulder: one statement earring on the bare side.

How is the column worn around the world?

In the United States, the strapless column is a black tie default for galas and award dinners. In the UK, the Giorgia’s off-the-shoulder line suits evening weddings and balls. In Europe, a black and ivory column is a natural opera dress. In the Gulf, a column is often worn with a cape and bolero for coverage; the Bellara and Amari sets in our Safiyaa Bellara harness guide are built for that.

What size Safiyaa column dress should you buy?

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

Choose by your hip measurement for a straight column, and by your bust for a strapless one. The house model is 175cm and wears a FR36. Our Safiyaa size guide has the chart.

Frequently asked questions

What is a column dress?

A column dress is a narrow, straight, floor-length gown with no full skirt, so the line runs uninterrupted from the bust to the floor.

What is the most famous Safiyaa column dress?

The Roshana, a strapless heavy crepe column, is the best-known Safiyaa column. The Roshan is its silver sequin update for Resort 2027.

What fabric are Safiyaa column dresses made of?

Most are Safiyaa heavy crepe, labelled 92 percent polyester and 8 percent elastane, which holds a straight line while stretching for movement.

Is the Safiyaa Giorgia a column dress?

Yes. The Giorgia is a straight off-the-shoulder column with a satin sash and a detachable Jonia Belt.

Can I wear a Safiyaa column dress to a wedding?

Yes. Off-the-shoulder columns such as the Giorgia suit evening weddings; avoid ivory columns unless you are the bride.

How much are Safiyaa column dresses?

On Coveti the Safiyaa columns in this guide range from $2,150 for the Azrael to $5,700 for the sequin Roshan.