Home / The house
The house
A small house, on purpose.
Sapphire began in 2014 in a spare room in Ewet Housing, with one sewing machine and a bride who could not find a gown that fitted. It has stayed small ever since.
Our story
One bride at a time.
Imaobong Udoh-Bassey trained in pattern cutting in Lagos and London before coming home to Uyo. Her first client was her cousin, who had been told her gown would take nine months to arrive from abroad.
Twelve years on the house dresses about one hundred and sixty brides a year, still one at a time, still fitted by hand. The atelier is in the same compound as the salon, so the seamstress who pins your hem is twenty steps from the table where it is cut.
The people
Who will look after you.
Example names and photos for this demo.
Imaobong Udoh-Bassey
Creative director and founder
Affiong Etuk
Head of the atelier
Nsikak Akpan
Senior bridal stylist
Ekemini Johnson
Client manager
Our brides
In their own light.
Shared with permission. Tap any photograph to see it larger.
Example figures for this demo.
What we promise
Four things, always.
Your seamstress stays with you
The same hands from first fitting to last.
Nothing is rushed
We would rather say no than squeeze a fitting.
Honest advice
If a gown is not right for you, your stylist will say so, kindly.
Local craft
Our beading and finishing is done in Uyo by women we have trained.
Visit the house.
Tuesday to Saturday, by appointment. Parking inside the compound.