The fashion industry is becoming more and more globalized. An interesting article from reuters.com about the Christian Dior Haute Couture A/W 2013-2014 collection, launched during Paris Fashion Week this week, brought this up. The Dior collection was inspired by women from all around the world who wear Dior; fashion cultures from Japan to Africa. This is what the Fashion Orientalist is all about; hybrid fashion, a melting pot of culture!
Middle Eastern/Islamic designers have been preparing their new collections for the holy month of Ramadan, which starts next week. As a special I would like to introduce a beautiful example of hybrid fashion to you: Islamic fashion label Alheli Sg (formerly known as Bella Luna Abayas).
Alheli Sg is a brand by young Mexican designer Alhelí. Coming from a small town in Mexico she felt there was a lack of stylish and modest designs and decided to custom tailor her own clothes. This resulted in the launch of her own fashion label in 2012. Alheli Sg is a dream come true for designer Alhelí.
The collection is a combination of both Mexican and Middle Eastern/Islamic fashion design. Vibrant colors and prints give the designs an exotic, Mexican feel. The silhouettes are very Middle Eastern/Islamic with a modern twist. Abayas made from high quality fabrics are combined with the traditional headscarf also known as the Hijab. Alheli Sg recently launched their new collection called ‘SOLSTICE’. A versatile collection consisting of abayas, scarves, tops, skirts and accessories. A warm and vivid color palette brings you on a Mexican journey, while the modest and comfortable styles make it a very wearable look for modest fashionistas from all across the globe. The cross between traditional and modern is also perfect for the ‘hijabistas’ from Europe. A beautiful collection for the summer!
Fashion Orientalist favorites: The white/floral abayas combined with a kimono style belt are a bold and unique look to sport. The simple and plain abayas are very sophisticated and chic. Combined with the right accessories and different style scarves you can create many different looks with just one Abaya. I love the romantic floral number combined with the white hijab. I like that not all Abaya styles are the same, some have dramatic style batwings, are draped differently or have a different fit. The collection has a little something for everyone.
