D&G unveils collection of hijabs, abayas

Dolce and Gabbana, designers best known for womenswear inspired by the sultry sensualism of southern Italy, are attacking the booming West Asian market for high fashion with a collection of abayas and hijabs.

The Abaya line, which conforms with the modesty requirements of most versions of Islam, was launched this week in D&G’s boutiques thro-ughout West Asia, as well as in Milan, Munich, Paris and London, popular destinations for well-heeled shopping tourists fr-om the region. The mini collection, billed as capturing the “allure of the Middle East”, has generated a stir of interest on the social media with desi-gners Stefano Gabb-ana and Domenico Dolce generally winning praise for demonstrating that dressing modestly does not have to mean dressing drab. A spokeswoman for the designers said there was no particular agenda other than catering for their customers’ requirements. “It is not the first capsule collection Dolce and Gabbana has designed and dedicated to a specific market,” she told AFP.

“In the past, they have created collections for the China market, as well as Brazil, Japan and Mexico. So it’s a collection without any ideological or polemic attitude.” Ankle-length dresses come in both subtle, sandy shades and dark, almost black, hues. Some are embellished with the bright motifs that featured in D&G’s main spring/summer 2016 collection: daisies, lemons, white dots and red roses. Fabrics include Georgette, a type of sheer crepe, and charmeuse, another lightweight material, with much use made of lace for trim and inserts.