Photo by Djinane Al Suwayeh.
The season’s Fall 2016 trends come into play when curating a seasonal abaya collection. Keep your overlays feeling current with designs in jewel-toned, velvet materials and kimono silhouettes coupled with Japanese motifs. A contemporary approach to abayas is proposed through pleats and colored styles. Vogue Arabia features the top abaya trends to consider as you look to add to your overlay wardrobe.
VIVID VELVET
Model is wearing abaya by Bouguessa, top and pants by Ella from namshi.com
Velvet is the textile of the season. The trend took shape in rich jewel tones ranging from emerald, to amethyst, and sapphire at Valentino, Rochas, and Prada. Spearheading the trend that has translated over to abayas is the Dubai-based label, Bouguessa. Featuring a nod to robe cuts, the collection includes overlays in a rich palette of midnight blue, jade, and ebony. Layer a velvet abaya over a white turtleneck for a stark contrast or style with satin heels and a metallic minaudière for an evening look.
GRAY MATTER
Photo by Djinane Al Suwayeh. Abaya by OE-O, sweater and skirt by Kristina Fidelskaya, shirt by COS, and long skirt by Mango.
Pantone’s gray hue from its Fall 2016 Fashion Color Report (Sharkskin (17-3914)), nearly topped the color wheel list by ranking third, with 17.47% of designers incorporating this color into their collections, as reported by WWD. Luxury brands such as Thom Browne, Balmain, and Chanel showcased monochrome looks and printed designs in the muted shade. Dubai-based, contemporary abaya label OE-O, skewed from a predominately black palette to stormy shades. This gray billowing abaya features crackle detail and can be worn solo or matched with bright colors.
POWER PLEATS
Photo by Djinane Al Suwayeh. Abaya by Harlienz, top and pants by COS, and sandals by Isabel Marant.
Pleats show a unique three-dimensional quality. The trend—that has now been around for several seasons—continues in the Fall 2016 collections as seen on dresses at Roksanda and skirts at Dion Lee. Qatar-based label Harlienz, by designer Haya Al Adsani, imagined cocooned-shaped abayas in the rippled material. The silhouette is versatile, and can be worn on the go with ballerina flats and a colorful cross-body bag, and then remixed with chunky-heeled pumps and a top-handle tote for an evening out.
FAR EAST MOVEMENT
Photo by Djinane Al Suwayeh. Abaya by Chi-Ka, top by Mango, pants by COS, and loafers by Gucci.
Traditional Japanese prints and chinoiserie motifs on silk were spotted at Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, and Fendi. Drive home the trend with a kimono abaya from Chi-Ka. The Dubai label is known for its made-to-measure designs featuring hand-painted and embroidered details. The abaya is an elegant alternative to an evening gown. Wear it belted at the waist or draped over the shoulders and paired with a flowing dress.
PHOTOGRAPHER Djinane AlSuwayeh
STYLIST Samantha Francis
HAIR AND MAKEUP Anne Sofie, The AgenC
MODEL Maria K, The AgenC
Thank you to The Qode.
