Joe Saba Australian fashion designer Country: Australia

Biography of Joe Saba

Joe Saba, an Australian fashion designer, is the owner of a clothing manufacturing company and a chain of branded stores. He began his career in the fashion industry in 1965 when he opened a store called 'Joseph Saba Shirt and Sweater Shop' on Flinders Lane in Melbourne. Shortly after, another store opened on Collins Street in Melbourne, which became a mecca for fans of cutting-edge fashion trends. In 1969, he launched a new denim label called 'Staggers', and in 1974, the 'SABA' brand was introduced, offering a wide range of women's and men's clothing. Over time, the chain of branded stores grew to include dozens of locations.

In the 1980s, Saba collaborated with Japanese designers such as Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto, who were highly interested in the Australian market. In 1996, Joe Saba's thirty years of work in the fashion industry were recognized with the Australian Fashion Menswear Award. In 2002, Saba sold his Fashion House to Daniel and Danielle Besen after suffering a serious heart attack in 1999. The 'SABA' brand is now owned by 'The Apparel Group'. However, retirement did not suit him, and just a year and a half later, the Australian designer launched a new collection called 'Nine by Joseph Saba'. Some of his designs are featured in the exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Marita Saba, Joe's wife, is not only his spouse but also his constant business partner. In 2005, Australia honored Joe Saba's contributions to the fashion industry by issuing a commemorative postage stamp as part of a series dedicated to Australian fashion designers.