Liliana Dabic

Dressed for Success

Name: Liliana Dabic
Age: 44
Born: Sisak, Croatia
Lived in Scotland: 12 years

Liliana Dabic is a dressmaker and designer of wedding dresses, eveningwear and jewellery in Edinburgh. She tells us why she had designs on Scotland…

"I first came to Edinburgh for a holiday at Christmas and New Year and I fell in love with the city.

"I didn't really know much about Scotland at all but I enjoyed my holiday so much I wanted to live here. Plus I met a lot of friends who were already here."

Liliana was born in Sisak in Croatia. She moved from Sisak to study and live in Zagreb for 12 years before moving back to her hometown to start business as a clothes designer.

So what was it about Scotland that appealed to her so much?

"The atmosphere of Edinburgh and the people so attracted me in 1991 that it was not long after in 1993 that I decided to move and settle in Scotland.

"I love Edinburgh and its architecture. The new modern buildings are integrated into old historic ones.

"Scottish culture is great too. I also like the fact that there are a lot of other cultures recognised here and there are many events throughout the year. Edinburgh is a small city so it's easy to get around and it’s a friendly place.

"I didn't find it hard to integrate into Edinburgh society. Although I didn't speak much English when I arrived so it was a bit difficult to communicate at the start.

"I still have a lot of family in Croatia. They love visiting me in Scotland!"

Liliana set up her dressmaking company in 1996, three years after she came to Scotland.

"When I set up the company, I needed to speak English. So when I arrived I started going to English classes to learn it quickly."

Liliana puts a lot of herself into her designs.

"Dressmaking is a physical and heartfelt process. Once a design begins I let it take me to wherever the touch and feel of the fabric guides me.

"When I start to create a design for a customer to get an idea of their style, I perhaps look at a photo of them. I try to find a style, colour and fabric which will complement them and then combine this with my individual style and details.

"I also try to bring some of my culture and individuality to my dressmaking which customers seem to like.

"I love texture which has led me to discovering the 'scrunchie' effect, as I call it!  It has become my trademark and is perfect for bringing out the details on collars, cuffs and bodices. This style has proved very popular and I am now successfully designing for the London market too.

"I also make my own signature jewellery for both bridal and evening wear including tiaras, necklaces, wire bags, bracelets, chokers and headpieces woven together with the veil."

A busy lady, Liliana divides her time between her studio, showroom and alteration shop in Edinburgh.

"Whenever I can manage to find time, I also sneak off to Italy!"

So does she find designing for the Croatian and Scottish markets any different?

"There is very little difference between the Scottish and Croatian markets although there seems to be more of a market for eveningwear in Scotland. There are a lot of balls and functions that people want really dressy outfits for."

Liliana has a few tips for those thinking of coming to work in Scotland:

Related information

• Liliana Dabic
• British Croatian Society
• British-Croation Business Network