|
|
Thursday, November 26, 2009 Abayas and Frocks
The traditional UAE female abayas have moved on in the last few years as the standard black over garment to trendy cuts with subtle and glamorous details and accents. The use of frills, lace, swarovski crystals, beads, fringes, chiffon – basically anything bling, is used to take the traditional formal abaya to the next level, whilst still maintaining elegance, heritage and cultural meaning. Jalabiyas or kaftans are also having a makeover primarily to look more appealing to younger emiratis. With the recent success of Dubai Fashion week last month, we thought we’d give you an insight into the Emirate’s rising fashion talent for local dress and their passion for creating new modern, trendy versions of the abaya and jalabiya and not only dressing the VIPs of the UAE but also Hollywood mega stars! What the traditional saree has done for India, and the Shalwar Kameez for Pakistan, the Jalabiyas are doing for Arabia. This traditional dress, introduced by the older generation is a more informal dress in contrast to the Abaya. Abayas are worn outside the home and its purpose is to cover the female figure, except the hands and feet and face. A separate shela is used to loosely cover the hair. Jalabiyas (or kaftans) in contrast, are worn at home and at ladies parties. They are long flowing gowns designed in a multitude of colours and ornaments, fitted elegantly and seductively at the neckline with loose flowing fabric below the waistline. This was the staple ‘indoor’ dress for females many years ago. Skirts, blouses and trousers were seen as ‘modern’ clothes and many older females refused to wear these. As years passed, the younger female generation chose to wear modern western clothes under their abayas outdoors and even in the home amongst family. Recently, upcoming designers have revamped and updated the traditional jalabiya to appeal to the younger female crowd and the taste in this traditional apparel is changing. Trendy designers such as Bahrain based Mohammed Mubarak and Rehab Yousif Qamber, and Abu Dhabi based Rania Al Bastaki are becoming increasing popular and the topic of conversation at parties. Prices start at Dhs 500 and up. Dubai based Zareena Yousef creates designs that appeal to both mid and high end clients such as UAE royalty with her one of a kind pieces. Zahra Mohammed Karmostaji a Dubai based designer who stocks at Studio 8 boutique, hit headlines when socialite Paris Hilton selected one of her jalabiyas to wear at a press conference for her first appearance in Dubai in June 09.  The Abaya is the signature dress for emirati women. They are black outer garments covering the whole body except hands, feet and face. They are made using soft non- creasing fabrics which hang on the body elegantly. A shela is normally used to complete the outfit to loosely cover the hair. Abaya shops are available on almost every street and mall throughout the UAE from off the peg to bespoke designs. Over the last few years, young talented emiratis and even non locals are giving the traditional abaya a makeover by creating funky and glamorous styles thus providing more choice and variety for occasional wear. Reem and Hind Beljafla, both in their twenties founded the D.A.S collection over a year ago and already, very popular amongst Dubai’s VIP, their style is mostly for occasional wear and for consumers with no strict budget! They are even in talks with top international designers such as Vera Wang to possibly start a collaboration. Shaikha Amal Al Maktoum and Raghda Taryam's label Kanzi opened in 2008 and is fast becoming popular. Their trendy line of abayas and jalabiyas are also stocked at Saks Fifth Avenue Dubai and Bahrain as well as their initial showroom in Sharjah. Homa Qamar is another rising fashion talent. Originally from Pakistan but brought up in Dubai, Homa has grown up around ethnic wear. Her designs show a modern edge built on the classic traditional abaya. Her designs were on show at the recent Dubai Fashion Week during October 09. Reem and Hind Beljafia's DAS Collection Zareena Yousef Labels: abaya, DAS, dubai fashion week, Hind Beljafla, Homa, jalabiya, Kanzi, Paris Hilton, Rania Al Bastaki, Reem, Shaikha Amal Al Maktoum, shela, Studio 8, Zahra Mohammed Karmostaji, Zareena Yousef
posted by grapeshisha at 3:26 PM
|
|
|
1 Comments:
Super interesting! But wish you had included more photos:-)
Post a Comment
<< Home