Photographed by Vivienne Balla for Vogue Arabia, June 2017.
From modern shapes to statement making kimono styles, there’s an abaya for every girl and every occasion. With Ramadan approaching (May 6), now is the best time to invest in a stylish and sophisticated overlay. Below, we namecheck seven brick-and-mortars in the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia that specialize in selling on-trend and contemporary abayas. From multi-brand boutiques that carry a plethora of options to on-trend abaya designer labels, read on for the stores you need to know now.
The Symphony
Dubai
Situated at The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, Symphony sells a range of designer brands carefully-curated by Emirati entrepreneur Salma Alabbar. In addition to clothing from international labels such as Gucci and Stella McCartney, the multi-brand store also sells a range of abayas and kaftans from the likes of Hessa Al Falasi and Noon by Noor to pick and choose from.
Shadow Abaya
Kuwait
Shadow, founded in 2008 by Meshaal Al Shatti, is a local luxury abaya concept known for its fine fabrics, eye-popping embellishments, and contemporary and elegant designs. The homegrown label is available for purchase in Kuwait City’s The Avenues Mall, Al Kout Mal,l and The Gate Mall.
Chique La Boutique
Abu Dhabi
A multi-brand luxury store located in Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Chique La Boutique carries a range of modest, and on-trend labels including Haifa Fahad, Epiphany, Black Tulip, and Shatha Essa.
Sid
Jeddah and Riyadh
You’ll come across multiple trendy brands at Sid boutique, which has an outlet in Jeddah as well as Riyadh. In addition to stylish abayas, shoppers will also find brands like Tibi, Sass & Bide, and Rami Al Ali. To help you top off your modest look, the store offers an assortment of accessory labels, like Ben-Amun and Jennifer Behr.
Chi-Ka
Dubai
Shoppers looking to stand out can visit Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, where Chi-Ka is situated. The kimono-abaya label was founded by husband and wife Nemanja Valjarevic and Nina Trojanovic, both originally from Belgrade, Serbia, who were inspired to create their made-to-measure kimono abayas following a trip to Japan.
Toby Boutique
Jeddah
Saudi designer Hatem Alakeel––who has dressed the likes of Christian Louboutin, Barbie (yes, really), and Snoop Dogg, has carved out a niche aesthetic that seamlessly combines traditional garments with modern versatility. Expect the on-point garment anatomy, intricate embroidery, and elementary sequence of thobes, but in an unexpected color palette. He opened his first flagship, Toby boutique, along Jeddah’s Prince Sultan Road.
NAFS
Dubai
The four Emirati sisters behind the label launched NAFS with the aim of redefining the abaya with modern, contemporary twists to evolve the garment beyond its traditional image and look. Those keen to get their hands on the homegrown brand’s ultra-wearable lineup of chic abayas can visit the brand’s showroom in Dubai Design District.
Now Read: How Hijab-Wearing Ugbad Abdi Became Fashion’s New Breakthrough Model
