Giving the traditional abaya a modern twist

BEIRUT: With the surge of ever-changing global fashion trends, the Arabian abaya has struggled to keep up, but several cutting-edge Lebanese designers are doing their part to make the traditional garment “trendy” again. The abaya, a loose-fitting full-length outer “cloak” that is often worn by Muslim women, has been around in the Middle East for centuries. Though the garment in its most traditional form is usually an all-enveloping black shapeless shroud, many designers have in recent years been updating the abaya, mixing traditional embroidery, patterns and prints with modern fashion trends. More