\n
\n\tRIYADH: Saudi Arabia\u2019s streets are increasingly seeing women dressed in vibrant and daring colors, patterns and fabrics as abaya designers make more creative choices.<\/p>\n
\n\tOnce considered a garment to hide behind, abayas have become a form of artistic beauty that Saudi girls and women use to express themselves, while retaining modesty and tradition.<\/p>\n
\n\tToday there is an influx of brands specializing in quirkier designs whose aim is to make women feel both comfortable and unique in their clothing choices.<\/p>\n
\n\tReem Al-Bayyat, founder of Mad Since 1982 (Instagram: madsince1982), told Arab News that \u201cevery piece tells a story; no two look the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tMad Since 1982 weaves together different pieces of fabric printed with Al-Bayyat\u2019s illustrations. As a collage artist, she never combines the same fabrics in the same way twice.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cIt is a story, but also a risk and an adventure, whether things will work out or not \u2026 all my friends ask me how I dare to put the fabrics together in this way,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\n\tWith a passion for ready-to-wear, Al-Bayyat\u2019s goal is to make wearable, everyday pieces more beautiful and elegant.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cI want it to be close to the hearts of the people wearing it, I want them to feel special.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThat is how I was inspired to created Hadaweh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tHadaweh, Mad Since 1982\u2019s recent modest wear creation, is an original clothing concept that can be worn in multiple ways for different occasions.<\/p>\n
\n\tAl-Bayyat has been working for years with handmade block printing companies in India that use natural colors and fabrics, and occasionally imports fabrics with patterns she creates herself.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cMy next step is having my own printing lab in my atelier,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\n\tAl-Bayyat, a former professional photographer who focused on fashion, draws inspiration from both local and international cultures.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cI have a lot of freedom when I\u2019m working without any fear,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\n\tAnother Saudi abaya brand exhibiting similar principles of individuality is Lamya\u2019s Abayas (Instagram: lamya.abayas), founded by Lamya Al-Sarra.<\/p>\n
\n\tAl-Sarra\u2019s abayas are colorful and full of life, designed to reflect the personality and confidence of the women wearing them.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cI would describe Lamya\u2019s Abayas as timeless, elegant, and effortlessly stylish. Each piece is designed to make a statement, while still feeling versatile and wearable,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cI love playing with bold colors, interesting cuts, and unexpected details that set each design apart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tAs a child, Al-Sarra spent her time sketching dresses and different looks in a notebook, and although that dream did not follow her through university, she found herself returning to her roots when the idea of starting her own abaya brand came to fruition.<\/p>\n
\n\tUnimpressed with the designs available in stores, Al-Sarra decided to create her own.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cI kept designing pieces that felt true to me, and soon enough, people started stopping me to ask where my abayas were from. I\u2019d tell them, \u2018It\u2019s mine. I designed it.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe hobby that she practiced for friends and family quickly became a full-fledged business.<\/p>\n
\n\tAl-Sarra favors self-expression when choosing colors and designs, especially through vibrant summer tones.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe garments are meant to spark joy and represent individuality, helping people feel confident in their clothing.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cI believe your surroundings shouldn\u2019t limit how you express yourself. Whether you\u2019re wearing something bold, trendy, or completely unique, it should always reflect you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\n\tAl-Sarra uses a variety of different fabrics for different looks and occasions \u2014 linen, for example, for light and breathable wear in summer, richer textures like velvet or tweed in winter, and taffeta and katan for more formal or structured looks.<\/p>\n
\n\tCelebrating both family and sustainability, Moja Majka (Instagram: mojamajka) is a slow fashion abaya brand founded by a mother and daughter that is built on values of authenticity, as well as cultural and natural connection.<\/p>\n
\n\tSarah Basaad and her mother Sureyya Barli launched Moja Majka in 2012 to answer their need for more colorful garments that use organic and airy fabrics.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cIt is an extension of our characters,\u201d Basaad said.<\/p>\n
\n\tGoing for timeless rather than trendy, Moja Majka takes inspiration from both Turkish and Saudi cultures, since Barli is of Turkish descent.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe brand\u2019s textiles are completely organic linens, cottons, and silks, some woven in Turkiye.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cWe support local artisans and artisanal work,\u201d Basaad said.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe brand is focused on bringing back long-forgotten artisanal work. \u201cWe collect antique handcrafted pieces and fabrics that are no longer able to be reproduced in our time, she said.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cOur kaftans are not a victim of trends, but a classic to pass onto your loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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