Designer Abayas in Dubai

Designer Abayas in Dubai

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I discovered many things during my holiday in Dubai, but none more amazing and thrilling to me than what I learnt about their culture through the language of fashion.

Generally speaking, the West has a very uninformed view of Middle Eastern fashion, what it is and all the hidden secrets. My education began in a most unexpected way.

One afternoon while wandering The Dubai Mall alone, I took myself on a mission to capture the beautiful fabrics and finishes of the pieces I’d seen in the windows of the Souk. Incredible colours, fine embroidery and jewelled hems all called my name. I had very much wanted to purchase an Abaya on my trip, but after seeing these jewels, I was a little afraid to look at the price tags. So I stayed at arms length, appreciating from outside the glass.

As I wandered along, a well-dressed young man smiled at me from the doorway of one of the more opulent stores, “Please come in, have a look around.” I almost shook my head but tentatively stepped inside, a bright and gleaming countertop catching my eye. This was no ordinary store. Like being dropped into a museum gallery, I realised at once that what I could see was something extraordinary. True artisan works of the highest quality, showcased like a medieval tapestry.

Designer Abayas in Dubai Designer Abayas in Dubai Designer Abayas in Dubai Designer Abayas in Dubai

Eager to demonstrate their wares, he began to remove the fabric piece by piece, placing it softly on the countertop. He could see I was hesitant to touch the pieces and immediately started to drape them over my shoulders with, “please, see the quality of this stitching. Each piece is unique and takes over two years to complete.”

Stunning, utterly stunning. The weight of the fine silk, the hand rolled hem, the carefully selected colour variations giving depth and life to the motifs. I began to exclaim at their beauty and compare fabric weights, asking questions as I went along. We looked at each other and realised that the other had a true appreciation for the skill in these pieces; he offered to dress me in the full ensemble.

What to Wear in Dubai

What to Wear in Dubai

While I was wondering what to wear in Dubai I realised this; if I could only ever wear one style of pants for the rest of my life, these would be it. Palazzo pants.

The King (or Queen) of Pants. With the right heel these can make you look taller, more carefree, effortlessly chic, and hide all manner of ‘sins’.
Over the years I have made more of these than I care to count, and with my upcoming trip to Dubai I am making even more.
With the weather and culturally appropriate dressing in mind, I’ve put together some inspirations boards for the kind of looks I’d like to wear while I’m away. It may not be Dubai you’re headed to this holiday season, but these looks will take you stylishly to any cosmopolitan location.
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Graphically Dubai

 

Summer Style Vitamins

Summer Style Vitamins

Style Snapshot - Tropical

 

If you could take a little vacation inside my head right now, this is what it would look like.  All bright, tropical colours, tangy fruits and luscious seafood. The refreshing scent of coconut and lemongrass is everywhere. From my shower and jar candles, through to the garden beds full of citronella and lemongrass I’ve been planting.
My iPad is awash with images of palm trees as I not only revisit pictures I’ve taken in the past, but I’m beginning to put together a shopping list of the best swaying palms for the climate in my backyard. Even though they’ve been covered in dirt these past few weeks, my fingers are painted in the delicious OPI Short Stories pink.
That’s the wondrous magic about being on the cusp of summer, the way you can feel the old seasons falling away from your body and your mind making way for a shot of the new, like a style vitamin.
I suggest you take one of these and call me in the morning.