São Paulo – Who said that wearing abayas is not fashion? The long and black clothes that Arab women wear to hide their bodies are gaining more and more embroidery, gloss and design. To check the new models of sheilas (scarves) and abayas, as the female garments are called, those interested should go to Dubai, to the Sheila & Abaya Fashion Show.
The parades should take place from July 8th to 11th, at Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in the Emirates. The event is already part of the traditional program of the Dubai Summer Surprises festival, which began on the 17th of June and ends on August 7th.
The stylists participating in the event are from several countries of the Gulf. Apart from renowned names, the parades also include fledgling fashion developers. According to the organisers of the event, the parades are an opportunity for those aspiring to a career to show their creations. Last year, 16 stylists presented their models, among them were the famous Ayesha Ali Yateem, of brand Bait Al Bahraini, Kamelya Sultan, of Noir Chic, Shabana Asif and Reem Ali Beljafla.
During the four days of the events, over 200 models of abayas should be shown. The success of the event is such that make-up brands like M.A.C and Swarovsky Crystals already support the parades.
The traditional female dress is common in Arab countries, where most of the population is Muslim. At Dubai Mall, for example, there are around 10 luxury shops that sell abayas and sheilas or hijabs, both headscarves.
According to the Market Development Department at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, the Arab countries imported around US$ 26.37 billion in fabric a year from the world. The main importers are the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.
*Translated by Mark Ament
