Rooted in melody, poetry and mythology, the rising UAE-based fashion brand unfolds through waves of culture, identity and the ever-evolving journey of becoming.

What began as a luxury lifestyle and homeware brand has recently expanded into ready-to-wear label. Ilái Sarái was founded by Saina Babaee, the brand’s creator and creative director, who presented her first fashion collection Wadi 00/ Quest  in Dubai in November 2025. 

Considering the finesse of her pieces, it may come as a surprise that Babaee does not have a traditional fashion background. On the contrary, she is a mechanical engineer and currently holds the position of Vice President of Controls and Digitalisation at Siemens Energy.

Her path into fashion was shaped not only by a deeper longing for creativity but also by a desire to reconnect with her cultural roots. Originally from Iran, Babaee has long hosted intimate Persian gatherings, from Yalda celebrations to Nowruz dinners, bringing people together through tradition, storytelling and shared rituals that would later influence the world of Ilái Sarái.

While leading her first royal commission for the wedding of Princess Iman Pahlavi, where she curated the bespoke Sofreh Aghd, the traditional Persian wedding ceremony table, she recognized a significant gap in the market. There were few modern luxury objects that drew inspiration from Persian culture while still feeling contemporary. From this realization, the story of Ilái Sarái began.

Behind the beautifully crafted candles and ceramics, as well as the dresses and two-pieces, lies a strong philosophy that shapes the entire world of Ilái Sarái. At the heart of the brand stands the idea of “The Art of Becoming,” a concept that reflects its deeper creative vision. Babaee’s inspiration does not come from traditional fashion references. Instead, her creative universe is shaped by Kurdish melodies, Persian poetry and mystical narratives. 

Her first name, Saina, meaning “Simurgh,” the mythical Persian bird, anchors the symbolic core of Ilái Sarái. Ilái translates to “moon of the tribe,” while Sarái means “home,” together evoking a place of belonging, heritage and transformation. In a region where many brands gravitate toward glamour or streetwear, it is this poetic and cultural foundation that allows Ilái Sarái to stand apart with a distinct voice in fashion. 

Structure softens into grace, with layered silhouettes that carry a quiet strength while maintaining clean, defined lines. 

This distinct vision was presented not through a traditional runway show, but through three acts featuring performances by Shan Nash and Mr Dervish. 

The collection, Wadi 00 / Quest, draws inspiration from Kurdish tribal dress, the Persian Sufi poem “Conference of the Birds”, and the symbolic movement from darkness into light. In collaboration with the Vaqar sisters, the presentation reimagined femininity through a lens of strength, transformation and poetic storytelling.

A brand that exists somewhere between a fashion house, design studio and cultural platform, defined by quiet luxury and refined minimalism. A palette ranging from black and ivory to muted earth tones, flowing fabrics, layered drapes and a signature statement belt that appears across dresses and vests. 

Subtle references to Kurdish and Persian garments shape modular outfits that can move effortlessly between contexts. Designed for women navigating cultures and environments, from meetings to dinners to travel.

In this vision, heritage is no longer bound to tradition but understood as something living and evolving. What emerges is a fashion language defined not by trends, but by strength, movement and timeless elegance.

Discover more about the brand on their social media: @ilaisarai