Giorgio Armani Pre-Fall 2017. Indigital
The hunt it constantly on for the best abaya brands. Now, with the new season just around the corner and the beginning of September signalling a switch from high summer to fall–with the hysteria of fashion month keeping the industry’s horizon fixed on Spring 2018 collections– you’d be forgiven for being in a tailspin wardrobe-wise. Here, the fashion desk brings it back down to the present with regional designers, the best abaya brands, and major maisons that have a strong offering of kaftan dresses, and longline cover-ups that you can plot to add to your wardrobe rotations for the remainder of summer and in advance of the seasonal switch-up.
From Dolce & Gabbana to Saudi designer Nora Al Shaikh, these are the best abaya brands and collections with a conservative spin.
#1: Bouguessa
Bouguessa Spring 2017. Courtesy of Bouguessa
Collection: Spring/Summer 2017
The Look: Nautical key-pieces in an understated color palette, reversible trenches, kimono-style cover-ups, and linen abayas inspired from the architecture of the Hotel Mar Adentro in Mexico.
Go Shop: Available online for the Middle East and shipping globally.
Vogue‘s Pick: Bouguessa Two-Tone Abaya Blazer, US $1,085; AED/SAR 3985.
#2: Anatomi
Anatomi Spring 2017. Courtesy of Anatomi
Collection: Spring/Summer 2017
The Look: “I’m always aiming to reinvent the classic abaya and design pieces that will be worn by sophisticated women,” says the designer. Anatomi previews its Spring 2017 collection, titled ‘The Secret Garden,” on Vogue Arabia and reveals the inspiration behind this abaya brand burgeoning sophisticated aesthetic.
Go Shop: Anatomi is stocked at Maison Bom Riyadh and House of Fraser, Abu Dhabi. For Orders: +971569689978 Inquiries: Info@anatomiofficial.com.
Vogue’s Pick: Anatomi Mint Green and Black Peplum Top, POA.
Vogue Arabia on how it became cool to cover up
#3: Dolce and Gabbana
Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2017. Courtesy of Dolce and Gabbana
Collection: Spring/Summer 2017
The Look: Think metallic accents, unapologetic leopard prints, and embroidered florals. Dolce & Gabbana’s penchant for florals and ornate embellishments from the Spring 2017 collection translate well to the demure form of the abaya. The Italian fashion house’s abayas now make up the main line collection and take key inspiration from the ready-to-wear sartorial references.
Go Shop: Available from Dolce & Gabbana boutiques in The Avenues Prestige Mall, Kuwait; 146 El Mourtran Street, Beirut; El Khayyat Centre, Jeddah; The Galleria at Sowwah, Abu Dhabi, to name but a few.
Vogue’s Pick: Dolce & Gabbana, Floral Embroidered Abaya, POA.
#4: Nora Al Shaikh
Nora Al Shaikh Spring 2017. Courtesy of Nora Al Shaikh
Collection: Spring/Summer 2017
The Look: Expect reworked tailored shirts inspired by menswear, styles elevated with ruffles, and peekaboo openings that add edge to modest, longline dresses.
Go Shop: Available from Sauce boutiques across the region, Dress Me Fashion Store in Doha, and Cugini Boutique in Jeddah.
Vogue’s Pick: Nora Al Shaikh, Ruffle Detail Shirt, POA.
#5: Chador
Chador Spring 2017. Courtesy of Chador
Collection: Spring/Summer 2017
The Look: Regarded as one of the best abaya brands in the market. Tailored cover-ups with riffs of feathers, embroidered swing coats, and slub silk abayas with monochrome detailing.
Go Shop: Available online and at Ounass.com, shipping worldwide.
Vogue’s Pick: Chador Beige Abaya with Sequin Embellishments, AED/SAR 4570; US $1,244.
