The abaya, a traditional Islamic garment worn by women in Gulf countries, is being modernized by designers in the United Arab Emirates. Traditionally made of simple black fabric, new abaya styles feature colorful fabrics, vibrant patterns, and decorative details. While more restrictive in Saudi Arabia, some designers are bringing flashes of color and individuality to the formerly anonymous black cloaks. Creative talents are introducing changes that respect tradition but also reflect modernity, expanding the range of abaya styles available to women.

1. Islamic Clothing Fashion Abaya For Fashionable Modest
Women

2. 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.

3. Abayas are similar to burqas, but, they are not the same
garment under another name. Burqas are of South Asian
origin. They cover the whole body in a single piece of
material. In Burqas, netting reveals the eyes. Abayas do
not cover the head. By adding headscarves and face
covering additional coverage can bring this garb closer to
a burqa level of coverage. Niqabs worn as a head gear
can be made from plastic or cloth.

4. 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.

5. The changes in Emirati fashions should not be surprising.
The Emirates are a major hub of western tourists and
workers and Emirati women travel abroad. It is natural a
new generation of designers wants to improve on its
customary form to reflect the changing times. Their
creative expressions remain respectful of local culture
and religious norms. But, without vice police that is an
inhibiting factor in Saudi Arabia, a new market has
developed.

6. It was not long ago that Gulf natives only felt
comfortable revealing their fashion sense at family
gatherings or gender specific parties. In public, when not
traveling abroad, the standard color remained the
accepted norm. But today, the new designers are
bringing a new spirit to this traditional garment.
Different fabric, designs and embellishments are giving a
new twist to tradition by offering Gulf women a variety
of styles to choose from. Fashionable changes are also
drawing increasing South Asian women to exchange this
fashionable change from their customary Burqas.

7. Change is coming even in the more restrictive Saudi
environment. Saudi designer Eman Al-Mandeel, inspired
by her years in Dubai, is leading an Abaya evolution in
her home country as well. Flashes of color, exotic fabrics
and embellishments are bringing individuality to the
former anonymity of traditionally black cloaks.

8. 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.

9. Creative talents are introducing changes that respect
tradition but also reflect modernity in their designs.
They are expanding the possibilities by creating a broad
range of styles to be worn on diverse occasions. Some of
them are even bold enough to experiment with
innovative material like bamboo. A fresh spirit is
infusing Islamic clothing fashion Abaya garments.

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