The Italian fashion house is the latest brand to cater to Muslim women—deemed by Fortune to be “the next untapped fashion market.” According to a report by Thomson Reuters, Muslim women are expected to spend $484 billion on clothing and shoes by 2019.
On Tuesday, Italian haute couture house Dolce & Gabbana unveiled its first-ever hijab and abaya collection for Muslim women, via Style.com/Arabia.
The stunning yet often understated collection features headwear of satin and sheer fabric alike in timeless neutral tones. Others are finished with dramatic lace finishes and bold floral patterns. As the site notes, the collection is a sneak peek at Dolce & Gabbana’s forthcoming Spring 2016 collection, said to feature patterns straight from the garden, including red roses and lemons.
While growth in luxury sales in established markets like the U.S. and Europe is increasingly dependent on tourism, high-end fashion is positively booming in the Middle East.
Management consultancy Bain recently reported that sales of personal luxury goods in the Middle East hit $8.7 billion in 2015 — up from $6.8 billion the year before.
For the most part, the collection comes in neutral hues—luxe black and sandy beige—while a sprinkling of abayas capture the Sicilian spirit of the house (and make a nod to the Spring 2016 collection) with printed daisies, lemons, and lush red roses. The abayas and hijabs come in sheer georgette and satin weave charmeuse fabrics and include copious lace details along hems. They also appear to feature a lightweight and dramatic drape, which makes this debut collection rife with special occasion overlays to be worn to celebrate the inimitable dolce vita that is distinct to us in the Arab world.
