In 2016, Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana announced its very first abaya collection, leading to a frenzy at the brand’s regional stores as shoppers flocked to secure signature items from the trailblazing line. Now the brand is back with its latest high-end collection and it is even more iconic than the first, offering matching sets, bold prints, and evening ensembles.
Inspired by the season’s overarching theme, the line presents Dolce & Gabbana’s signature elements – we’re talking glamorous cuts, sparkling blacks, vibrant colors, brilliant florals, animal print, elegant lace, and carefully crafted designs. What stands out this year the most are matching top and trouser sets complete with identical hijabs. For outfits without matching headwear, Dolce & Gabbana offers a range of stunning turbans that come in a variety of colors for every taste.
Speaking to online portal Buro 24/7 Middle East, Domenico Dolce, one half of the luxury brand, said of the collection, “The latest abayas feature the traditional style already present in the previous collection. Additionally, there are the seasonal prints inspired by the show collection that colour and enrich the outfits. For this particular collection, we have also added some eveningwear styles and designs for special occasions, like a long black dress which is soft until the ankles with embroideries — we like it very much!”
Stefano Gabbana added, “We designed the first collection of abayas following our desire to dress women from all around the world. We are very happy that our project has been truly appreciated. For us, everything is a challenge that always makes you learn something new and interesting. We are designers, we design clothes, this is what we do, and doing it for all women, having respect for customs and cultural traditions, can only make us happy and proud.”
Over the last few years, a number of luxury brands have expanded their lines to cater to more modest customers, targeting the lucrative Muslim market particularly as growth in retail in the Arab world has now outpaced that in Asia and Russia. According to Vogue UK, many labels now have their very own Ramadan collections, “as the religious celebration gains recognition as a time of increased retail activity for Muslim consumers.”
