Thursday, October 24, 2013

Modern Islamic Clothing Fashion Abaya

By Elena McDowell


The Islamic clothing fashion Abaya styles are modernizing slowly with enterprising Emerati designers taking the lead. Their colorful and vibrant new take on the traditionally, simple black garment is even inspiring some change in Saudi Arabia.

Similar to the burqa, it is not the same attire with a different name. A burqa is a South Asian garment covering the body completely in one piece of fabric. A piece of netted material allows a person to look out. Abayas loosely cover bodies from the neck to the feet. The addition of veils and headscarves provides further coverage to an extent similar to burqas. The Niqab can be made from fabric or a plastic material.

Abayas are a common cultural feature of Gulf countries. For Emirate women black has been the main color for a long time. In other countries, other colors are also used. A distinctive eye can tell the origin of its wearers simply by looking at what they are wearing. Its roots lie in regional Bedouin culture. Its original form was made from one piece of fabric and extended from to toe. Today, it can be made of several panels of fabric. The socioeconomic status of a wearer is revealed by differences in fabrics and quality of decorative details.

Changing fashions in Emirati style should be expected. Emirates have become an international hub and their natives are international travelers. They provide fertile soil for local designers wanting to show their creative flair by reflecting modern times. These designs are clearly respectful of cultural expectations. The absence of a vice police enables customers to wear new styles in public.

Until recently, Gulf women were comfortable revealing their taste for fashion only behind closed doors. Otherwise, in public, the standard custom remained the only acceptable norm. But now, a new generation of designers is giving a fresh look to traditional wear. Different fabrics, designs and decorative details are bringing a refreshing spirit by offering a variety of styles to their customers. Changing fashions are also attracting South Asian customers used to wearing Burqas.

Changes are also coming to conservative Saudi Arabia. Saudi fashion designer Eman Al-Mandeel is one of several adventurous faces. She was inspired by living in Dubai and is leading evolution of traditional wear at home. Colorful additions, different fabrics and decorations are allowing Saudi women to display their individuality. They are replacing the formal anonymity of traditional black, at least in private.

But, in Riyadh, the traditional colored garment without embellishment is still a norm. If there is some decorative element in these garments it is subdued. The religious police, the Muttawa, have been known to confiscate colorful Abayas. The color and fashion revolution has more potential behind closed doors. In privacy, modern tweaks allow Saudi women to display their fashion sense and personality through their attire.

New talents are expanding the possibilities for this dress by developing a range of styles for different occasions. Some are even bolder and experiment with innovative material such as fabric made from bamboo. They are giving a contemporary twist to traditional wear and taking it to new heights for adventurous customers. A modernizing spirit is merging religious and cultural customs with current style in Islamic clothing fashion Abaya trends.




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