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.

I realised that most of the Saudi clients are wearing designer brands, but they’re covered by a black abaya,” said Dania Tarhini, the show’s organiser and a general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue in Saudi Arabia. “It is an obligation to wear the abaya there, but let them feel good about it.”

Ms Tarhini, a Lebanese who has lived in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years, said “it wasn’t easy” to convince designers to take part in the project. At the beginning, “they couldn’t imagine how to make a designer abaya.” I explained to them the concept is to (make women) look good and also to promote their brands …. Then they accepted.”

The woman said the first batch of made-to-measure abayas – worth $5,500-$11,150 – would be gifted to Saks’ most faithful Saudi clients.

Ready-to-wear variants of the abayas made by the 21 designers and demonstrated in the Paris show will hit the Saks stores in the Saudi Arabian cities of Jeddah and Riyadh in September. The retail price will be $2,500.

The designer robes were created in accordance with all Saudi Arabian requirements for women’s clothes and were considered appropriate for wear. All of them were black, long and many had a built-in head covering or matching veil.

I think now Arabian women can feel a bit happier because they have received new styles of abayas.

Everybody’s waiting for a change in a good way,” Ms Tarhini said. Some women in Saudi Arabia “don’t want to feel obliged (to wear the abaya). They want to wear it to look fashionable, as well.”

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