Being a committed Muslim woman and harboring a love of high fashion can sometimes cause a conflict of interests. How do you express your style without breaching the rules of your faith? The answer comes in the form of Abaya Collection, run by husband and wife team, Umar and Ashia. It began life back in 2008, when Ashia, frustrated with the lack of variety of abayas - long robes worn by Muslim women - and dismayed by the sombre black as the only colour on offer, decided to take matters into her own hands and design a collection.
Abaya Collection offers looks for a variety of occasions, including stunning abayas for your nikkah. The Bridal collection embraces the understated, elegant look, using high-quality chiffons and silks and kaftan inspired cuts to present a range that works for the universal Muslim woman, whether she lives in Arabia, Africa or right here in the UK. Exquisite embroidery, using diamonte and pearls, make the abayas perfect for weddings, while the swathes of fabric can be cinched in with a fabric belt. Ashia says: “We feature a lot of pearl detailing on our Bridal collections, because they’re regal, pure and are symbolic to the faith. Pearls are a pure essence, hidden in a shell, just how a woman is pure, hidden in her abaya. When you wear one of our designs, you are like a pearl.” From demure Bridal abayas to the Occassionwear collection, Abaya Collection boasts a wide-ranging collection for both brides and wedding guests.
The Occasionwear collection is a riot of colour, with many pieces finished with intricate embroidery and featuring flattering cuts. The huge selections of elegant, flowing abayas and loose kaftans are perfect for SS14. The attention to detail on the abayas is exquisite; from pleats at the shoulders to the understated decoration on the belt tie, they all emanate polished sophistication. Although the company has been up and running for the last six years, it's only been in the last two that Abaya Collection has really taken off as more women across the UK look for unique designs. Ashia has also focused on marketing, promoting the fashion house to a much larger audience through social media. It paid off, and its fan base is now bigger than ever. “I love looking at the comments on our website about the pieces and it gives me a real buzz when I see sisters walking down the road or at events wearing my designs." Abaya Collection caters to all women of the Islamic faith. The Casual collection is free of the detail featured in the Bridal and Occasionwear collections, but features similar cuts, as style, be it for a special occasion or day-to-day, is eternal.
Abayas are designed to be worn comfortably everyday and make the easy transition from day to night with the addition of accessories and clever styling. The website boasts a generous range of abayas for all occasions, from casual designs, to evening wear and bridal outfits, spanning a range of costs, colours and style so there really is something for everyone. The company has rewritten the unspoken rule of black abayas, "We're creative and not afraid of experimenting with styles and colours’. International suppliers work to create Abaya Collection’s innovative pieces. When a customer places an order, each piece takes up to seven weeks to complete. The company likes to offer a bespoke service so that every abaya fits perfectly. Abayas can be bought online at AbayaCollection.com or clients can book appointments to view and purchase garments directly from Ashia herself. Plans for a boutique are in the pipeline, so watch this space.
FIND OUT MORE:
Abaya Collection
+44 (0)7518 514 718
info@abayacollection.com
abayacollection.com