Meet the Architect Behind Luna Habesha Design

Meet the Architect Behind Luna Habesha Design

Derbaba.com sat down with Tigist Ferede, the architect and owner of Luna Habesha Design, to learn about her creative journey, her passion for Ethiopian traditional clothing, and the inspiration behind her designs.

Born and raised in Gondar, Tigist developed a love for sketching and design at an early age. She later earned a bachelor's degree in architecture. When she decided to start her own business, choosing a field that allowed her to pursue her passion for sketching and designing came naturally.

She named Luna Habesha Design after her firstborn daughter. Through her business, Tigist combines her creative background with her appreciation for Ethiopian culture, creating garments that celebrate tradition while embracing modern fashion.

Her designs have been worn by customers in Addis Ababa and abroad for holidays, weddings, and other special occasions. For Tigist, the goal is to create clothing that is beautiful, comfortable, and suited to the people who wear it.

How a Custom Habesha Kemis Is Made

When Derbaba.com asked Tigist about the process of making Habesha clothing, she explained that every garment begins with understanding the customer's preferences. This includes discussing the desired design, the occasion, and the customer's measurements.

Once she understands the customer's vision, Tigist begins sketching the design. She then selects the appropriate fabric, color, garment style, and size before moving on to pattern-making. The garment then proceeds to the traditional decorative work, including tilf, before reaching the sewing stage.

Each step contributes to the final result, allowing Tigist to transform an idea into a garment that reflects the customer's personal style while preserving the cultural character of Habesha clothing.

Menen, Fetil and Other Habesha Dress Fabrics

Choosing the right fabric is an essential part of creating a Habesha outfit. Different materials are selected depending on the desired style, design, and finish.

Menen is a traditional Ethiopian textile associated with Habesha clothing. It is commonly used for the white or softer sections of a Habesha dress and is an important material in traditional Ethiopian formal wear.

Different types of Menen, known as 1 ayn, 2 ayn, and 3 ayn Menen, are distinguished by the diagonal or horizontal lines in the fabric, which indicate its quality. 1 ayn Menen is usually used for netela, 2 ayn Menen is commonly used for simple Habesha attire, and 3 ayn Menen is preferred for garments with more intricate designs. These traditional fabric classifications play an important role in Habesha garment-making. 

Other fabrics, including fetil , may also be used for traditional Habesha dresses, particularly styles associated with northern Ethiopia. Printed fabrics and other materials offer additional possibilities for creating modern Habesha dresses in different colors and designs.

For men's Habesha clothing, Tigist uses materials such as Woeldeyes and other high-quality fabrics, depending on the design.

The fabric selected is also one of the factors that determines the final price of a Habesha outfit.

What Determines the Price of a Habesha Dress?

The price of a Habesha dress depends on several factors, including the type of fabric used, the complexity of the design, and the method of production.

Garments made entirely by hand may have a different price from those created using a combination of traditional handwork and machine sewing. More intricate designs may also require additional time and craftsmanship, which can affect the overall cost.

At Luna Habesha Design, attention to detail is an important part of the process, helping ensure that each garment reflects the customer's preferences and the intended style.

What Makes Luna Habesha Design Stand Out?

When asked what makes Luna Habesha Design different, Tigist highlighted the brand's approach to combining contemporary fashion with traditional Ethiopian clothing.

“What makes Luna Habesha Design different is that our designs incorporate modern touches while preserving tradition,”

This philosophy is at the heart of her work. By bringing modern elements into traditional Habesha clothing, she creates designs that celebrate Ethiopian cultural heritage while appealing to contemporary tastes.

However, establishing a distinctive brand in a competitive market was not without its challenges. Tigist explained that standing out in a saturated market required creativity and an effective way to reach potential customers.

To address this challenge, she focused on using social media platforms, including YouTube, to showcase her designs and connect with a wider audience. Combined with the quality and uniqueness of her work, this approach helped Luna Habesha Design reach customers both in Ethiopia and abroad.

Habesha Dresses for Weddings and Wedding Guests

Weddings and celebrations provide opportunities to explore different fabrics, colours, silhouettes, and decorative details.

Tigist enjoys creating outfits for a range of occasions, including weddings. Her work includes clothing for brides, grooms, and wedding guests, with designs intended to suit the occasion and the person wearing them.

A habesha dress for wedding guests can combine traditional Ethiopian details with a contemporary look. Fabric selection, decorative borders, and the overall design all contribute to the finished outfit.

Customers preparing for a wedding should discuss the occasion, preferred style, measurements, and delivery deadline with the designer before ordering.

See her wedding-guest designs on her Derbaba shop.

Bringing Habesha Fashion to Customers Abroad

Many Luna Habesha Design customers live outside Ethiopia, but distance has not stopped them from ordering custom-made garments.

Tigist explained that she sends clothing internationally through several delivery methods, including DHL, the post office, flight attendants, and family members traveling abroad.

Serving customers who live far away also means finding a reliable way to obtain their measurements without meeting them in person.

To simplify this process, Luna Habesha Design provides customers with a measurement guide when they place an order. The guide helps customers take their measurements correctly, allowing Tigist to create garments that fit them even when they live thousands of miles away.

This approach makes it easier for customers abroad to access traditional Ethiopian clothing and stay connected to their cultural roots.

How Long Does It Take to Make a Habesha Dress?

For customers ordering a custom-made outfit, knowing how long production takes is an important part of planning for a special occasion.

According to Tigist, a typical Luna Habesha Design order takes approximately one week to complete. However, the timeframe depends on the complexity of the design and the customer's needs.

Simpler designs may be completed in less than a week when needed, while more complicated garments may require additional time.

Customers are encouraged to communicate their preferred deadlines when placing an order so that the design and production process can be planned accordingly.

A Commitment to Learning and Creativity

Tigist's passion for design extends beyond her daily work. The original interview describes her taking courses to sharpen her skills, learn new techniques, and stay up to date with developments in design.

Her background in architecture, love of sketching, and commitment to continuous learning contribute to her creative approach. Through Luna Habesha Design, she continues to explore ways to introduce fresh ideas into traditional Ethiopian clothing while preserving the cultural elements that make it distinctive.

Discover Luna Habesha Design on Derbaba.com

Derbaba.com had a wonderful time speaking with Tigist and learning about her creative journey, the craftsmanship behind her designs, and the traditions that inspire her work.

Her story demonstrates how a passion for sketching and design can grow into a business that celebrates Ethiopian heritage while embracing modern fashion.

Whether you are looking for a Habesha outfit for a wedding, a holiday, or another special occasion, Luna Habesha Design offers a distinctive approach to traditional clothing, bringing together cultural beauty, contemporary style, and comfort.

Visit Derbaba.com to discover Luna Habesha Design and explore how Tigist brings tradition and modernity together through her creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I order a custom Habesha dress from abroad?

Luna Habesha Design serves customers in Ethiopia and abroad. Contact the designer through her Derbaba shop to confirm order availability, shipping methods, costs, and delivery estimates for your destination.

• How do I provide my measurements for a custom Habesha dress?

The original interview states that Luna Habesha Design provides a measurement guide to help customers measure themselves. Ask the designer for the latest instructions and confirm which measurements are needed before production begins.

• How long does it take to make a custom Habesha dress?

Production time depends on the design. Confirm the timeframe for your chosen garment with Tigist, and allow additional time for international shipping, particularly if you are ordering for a wedding or other special occasion.

Explore her designs at Luna Habesha Design on Derbaba.