Covered in grace
As Ramadan approaches, we look at stylish and contemporary pieces from the latest Muslimah collections.
TOMORROW is the first day of Ramadan, and as we enter the holy month, we thought it appropriate to look at contemporary abayas and jubahs from the latest Muslimah collections.
For those who are not sure what they are, both are loose garments that can be worn over an existing outfit or by itself.
While traditionally a religious garment worn by Muslim women worldwide, it has now evolved into the modern contemporary version ( though the traditional one is still seen). But the purpose remains the same, to essentially conceal the body shape.
Abayas are normally black, and popular in the Arab countries. It resembles a cloak, robe or kaftan. The traditional ones are worn with a veil and head covering, while the modern versions may have a hood.
Jubahs are like long coats, either with buttons or zippers down the front. They can also be in black or as seen in the more modern versions, several different colours. As with any other garment, Muslimah clothing has evolved to the point where it is now difficult to discern the difference between the two.
In Malaysia, abayas and jubahs – along with any form of Muslimah clothing – have become very popular in the past few years. So here’s a look at some beautiful and contemporary versions.
Elegance personified
Hidaya International, a local luxury brand based in Abu Dhabi, came out with its second collection called Wanderlust. It is inspired by the travels of the founder and as homage to her mother’s home country, Egypt.
The abayas come with names like Versailles, Trevi and Athena, as well as Luxor, Heliopolis and Alexandria.
For this collection, you can see different variations on the looks. While there are some relatively simple pieces, there are more elaborate pieces with intricate detailing in gold, making it stand out against the black background.
A lot of thought has been put into this collection; it’s not only stylish, it’s also made to be functional. For example, the Louvre abaya – being one of the more minimalist pieces – has pleats and is supposed to be comfortable.
However, Versailles and Venezia are made of chiffon silk with lace and Swarovski crystals for a more luxurious feel.
Key pieces in this collection are Versailles, Venezia and Luxor.
The Versailles was inspired by Marie Antoinette and her love of excess, so this abaya has a fitted bodice with lace and crystals. This piece is special in that there is a lace ruffle that cinches your waist and can be worn either front or back depending on the wearer.
The Venezia is finished with Italian lace from Venice and features a design reminiscent of a loose fitted kebaya.
Luxor is the current bestseller as it has a more relaxed cut which flatters all sizes.
For those interested in viewing the Hidaya International Wanderlust collection, call Fiona at 012- 669 1500 for a private appointment or visit the showroom in 1- 5, Ken Bangsar Condominiums, Jalan Kapas, Bangsar.
all about colour
Melinda Looi recently collaborated on Baju Raya collections with actresses Emma Ma’embong and Liyana Jasmay.
The Colourful Journey range features current trends like art deco, metallic colours and lines, with a touch of the celebrities’ and designer’s personal favourites.
As Liyana has a preference for pastel colours, her Melinda Looi x Liyana Jasmay line sees predominantly pretty pinks, baby blues, lilac and the softest greys.
Meanwhile, the Melinda Looi x Emma Ma’embong line has
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bolder colours in Emma’s favourite shades of blue as well as green, red, brown and purple.
Both lines have baju kurung, kaftans and jubah. However, we chose to feature the jubah, with an A- line style, some with contrasting colours and a few with sequins and lace.
Incidentally, a percentage of sales from this collection will be channelled towards a charity of their choice.
Emma and Liyana decided to jointly support the University Malaya Medical Centre ( UMMC) whose focus is on rare diseases afflicting children.
The collections are available online at FashionValet. com as well as the official emelbymelindalooi. com online store. They are also available at Parkson Pavillion, KLCC and Maju Junction, as well as the Melinda Looi showroom on Jalan Maarof, Bangsar.
For the first time the emel collections will also be selling outside of Malaysia, namely in Jakarta and Dubai via Centro Group and Namshi. com.
a touch of glamour
When it comes to Bernard Chandran, you can definitely expect something different and extravagant.
This collection, which is called Abaya Abaya, is inspired by Sheikha Mozah and Queen Rania of Jordon seated at the front row of a couture show during Ramadan.
As both women are known to be very stylish, the abayas are colourful, embel- lished and with plenty of detailing. While there is also the prerequisite black, there are plenty of pastels and muted tones.
There are feathers and tassels too, and some of them are an extremenly modern take on the abaya, and look like belted coats.
While this is a regular collection for private clients, you can ask for it as these abayas are custom- made.
The Bernard Chandran Boutique is located at Fahrenheit 88, Lot 2- 41, Level 2, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Call of the desert
If you’re looking for something less detailed and extravagant but can still be worn to events, take a look at the selection from model/ actress Natasha Hudson’s line, Dreamcloud.
The Sahara desert was the inspiration for this collection which has elements of gold and lilac.
The “desert queen” is interpreted in six designs: Al- Hilal ( crescent), Al- Qamar ( moon), Fajr ( dawn), Sierra ( a flower in the Sahara), Al- Riyah ( wind) and Zallam ( darkness).
The garments are loose and flowing, with variations that include maxistyle dresses, kaftans and long coats. Crafted in satin and chiffon, the easy, relaxed pieces in subtle colours make for a modest and stylish look.
Dreamcloud’s Sahara 2015 collection is available at www. dreamcloud. my.