Thread: Abla vs. Madam Nussa bra/belt sets

Turquoise Int. sells the Abla bra/belts sets, but I've seen them half the price at the belly dance store.com, same style by Madam Nussa. Can someone attest to the quality of both? I need a review so I can decide which one to buy. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Jaseena

Turquoise Int. sells the Abla bra/belts sets, but I've seen them half the price at the belly dance store.com, same style by Madam Nussa. Can someone attest to the quality of both? I need a review so I can decide which one to buy. Thanks!

I just sold my Noussa and have an Abla that is up for sale (bra is a bit too small, but if it doesn't sell, I may still try to salvage it). Anyway, to me the quality is about the same. Nusa was part of the Abla family and now on her own.

I agree. I heard the Noussa was Abla's daughter-in-law. When Madame Abla died a few years ago, Madame Noussa continued the business. Mme Abla had quite a reputation as an excellent costume designer during the 80's and 90's.

Personally, I love Mme Noussa's costumes. The Abla ones seem to overwhelm my frame with all that fringe and large appliques. Noussa costumes always fit so well and comfortably. They are solid without weighing you down. The beadwork is impeccable. I LOVE THEM! (I own 3 and plan for more).

From what I've seen on the web, I wouldn't use Turquoise International to gauge current prices. They rarely seem to move any stock and the same costumes have been up there for years. Check Dahlal and Bellydancestore or belleorientale for current pricing and designs.

I work for Turquoise International at Rakkasah East, and they definitely move stock and get regular new shipments of current designs. Most sell out quickly enough that they don't make it to the website. Some costumes have been up for some time - mainly the last of the original Madame Ablas.

Jaseena - are you referring to the costumes with the bra, belt, skirt, and waist strap? Like this?

If so, then I have had a set from both and can give you my opinion - I think the Noussas from BDS are very good quality but the beading on the belt is heavier or chunkier, which I think you can kind of see in the photo. And I may be wrong, but does it include the skirt? Mine from BDS did not, but I bought it a while ago.

I think that's where the Turquoise ones have the added value that's reflected in the price - the skirts are included and are very full and have a lot of detail. The beading on the bras and belts is also a bit more intricate and less chunky - there's a little more variety to them than the BDS ones.

However - I do like both. In fact, I recently traded my Turquoise one but still have my BDS one! If you are looking for a workhorse bedleh, you can't go wrong with the BDS Noussas but beading and skirts are the value add for Turquoise, in my opinion.

(And if you're referring to something else, sorry!)

I don't have photos of the Noussa but I have some of the Turquoise one in action and you can see the skirt - Events 2010 @ @ fatimadance.comfatimadance.com

Thank you Phillyraqs! I've had a Nussa before and didn't really like it, although it was not this style, I found the bra was not deep enough. I will spend the extra $$ and get the Abla style. I have to admit, I was a little worried as the skirt looked to be "cheap" in the T.I. pictures, but the pictures in the link Philly provided are so much better. I guess you have to specify what type of skirt you want. Thanks for the reviews ladies!