Fashion Reverie Campaign Spotlight: Dolce and Gabbana’s Hajib and Abaya Collection

Unlike the Academy of Arts and Science, the fashion industry aims for and embraces diversity. And while some fear mongers and very uninformed folks are afraid of people and things that are different and unique, the fashion industry celebrates different points of view and perspectives.

This inclusion of world diversity could not be showcased any better than in Dolce and Gabbana’s first ever collection of hajbs and abayas, appealing to Muslims that makes up 27 percent of the world’s population. Smart, economic move, some would say!! (Read Fashion Reverie’s inclusion of this first ever collection in our January 6, 2016 post.)

A little education may be in order for those who don’t know what abayas and hajibs are. A hajib is a veil that covers the head and chest, which is particularly worn by some Muslim women beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family. The abaya is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Muslim world including in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands. It can be worn with the niqāb, a face veil covering all but the eyes. Some women also wear long black gloves, so their hands are covered as well.

Definitions aside, Dolce and Gabbana are not the first designers to be inspired by Middle Eastern and/or Muslim culture. For spring 2016, Reem Acra looked to her Lebanese background for inspiration. This collection had a strong emphasis on bold color, sequined embellishments and embroidered florals. And though there were lots of short skirts and low décolletage, the collection contained some more modest garments that fashion-forward Muslim could wear with a hajib.

Though the Dolce & Gabbana hajib and abaya collection stayed mostly with a neutral color palette, the design duo did inject some floral embellishments and playful polka dots, reminiscent of their spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection. The hijabs and abayas come in sheer georgette and satin weave charmeuse fabrics, and the brand’s signature lace detailing is also a strong presence. One floating neutral colored abaya is heavily embellished with intricate black lace, echoing the brand’s penchant for dramatic femininity, while another is embellished with an all over lace pattern. And the luxurious, ornate D&G shades and handbags added that extra pop to the campaign images, solidly placing Muslim women in the modern coterie of well-traveled, global fashionistas.

—William S. Gooch