About Sara
Sara Japanwalla is a British artist and luxury fashion illustrator based in Dubai, known for her distinctive approach to fashion, portraiture, live illustration and mixed-media art.
Working in watercolour, ink and mixed media, Sara creates expressive fashion illustrations, bespoke commissions and live sketching experiences for some of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands.
Her clients include Chanel, Forbes, Rolls-Royce, Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale’s, Estée Lauder, YSL, Maserati and many others.
Today, Sara continues to explore new ways of creating, from fashion illustration and live sketching to bespoke pieces and decorative art, always with a love of colour, detail and storytelling.
A Creative Journey
Born and educated in Scotland, Sara developed her artistic practice from an early age before moving to Dubai, where she built her career as an illustrator and artist.
She studied at Leith School of Art, completing a foundation course in fine art, textiles, sculpture and installation before earning a degree in Fashion Design and Technology.
She later studied in Florence, Italy, undertaking a summer course in traditional painting techniques at the Michelangelo Institute and further developing her understanding of classical painting and craftsmanship.
These foundations continue to inform Sara’s work today, as her practice expands beyond illustration into painting, mixed media and decorative art, drawing on chinoiserie, craftsmanship and visual storytelling.
In 2015, Sara was selected as one of 100 international creatives featured in a global coffee-table book by Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.
She was also nominated for an Emirates Woman of the Year award.
In recognition of her contribution to the arts and creative industry, Sara was awarded the UAE Golden Visa and, in 2025, was named one of Ahlan!’s Hot 100 Most Influential People in the Arts.
What Sara Creates
Sara’s work spans live illustration, bespoke commissions, luxury gifting and decorative art, all united by a distinctive and highly personal approach.
Selected Clients
Ahlan! Hot 100
Sara was named one of Ahlan!’s Hot 100 Most Influential People in the Arts, recognizing her contribution to Dubai’s creative industry.
Work With Sara
From weddings and live illustration to murals, hand-painted pieces and creative collaborations, discover the different ways we can create something personal together.