Everyone knows that women from Asian countries dress differently from the way we do. They have to wear long, sometimes floor-sweeping, body-covering black robes called abayas to cover their clothing in public.
Nowadays few of them want to wear one and the same design of abaya all the time. To solve the problem a few international designers decided to try themselves in this, earlier unknown for them, sphere of creation.
It was the process of constant learning of Islamic traditions, customs and fashion tendencies. It was not easy. But the result is fantastic. Abayas made by designers were chic and sophisticated, adorned with rhinestones and made of luxury materials. These new styles of abayas were intended for rich Muslim women who wanted to stand out of the crowd and always look fabulous.
The Saks Fifth Avenue Riyadh and Jeddah fashion show was held in George V Hotel in Paris. It was opened by a horsewoman in a flowing, made-to-measure Islamic gown atop a snorting steed rearing on its hind legs. The spectacle was great.
Then followed the show of 22 abayas customized by international designers specially invited for that. Among the attendees were Saudi Arabian royal family, participating designers Felipe Oliveria Baptista, Adam Jones, Anne Valérie Hash and Martine Sitbon.
Designers who used their talents to work on the terrific abayas, which are required in Saudi Arabia, included Christian Dior’s artistic director John Galliano, French luxury labels Nina Ricci and Jean Claude Jitrois and Italian houses Blumarine and Alberta Feretti.
