Al Bassant Abaya Exhibition opens at Landmark from April 22

The "Al Bassant" Abaya Exhibition, which is running from the 22nd until the 25th April, and is open to everyone, is being held under a partnership between a Qatari businesswoman and a Bahraini and features the work of the Bahraini designer Zahra Assiri.

Mrs. Aisha Alfardan, Vice-Chairwoman of QBWF, who inaugurated the exhibition yesterday, explained that the Abayas on display are made of silk and crêpe, and come in a variety of colours in addition to the more traditional black. Their designs include embellishments and well designed brocades.

"The Abayas are beautifully designed," she said, "and offer unique motifs, tailored specifically for those who like to look fashionably different.

"Abayas have been worn for more than a century and are still a favourite among the young generation, despite fashionable outfits and brand labels that are to be found throughout the Gulf. Local women have managed to combine their latest fashion requirements with the Abaya and use them for culture and religion as well as for fashion. The designs and layout of the abaya have changed over the years, but the concept remains the same, which is one of modesty. Many of the designs are conceptualised after a lot of team work. Some patterns include studded embroidery, mirror work, multi-coloured stones, plastic flowers, metal rings and intricate hand embroidery.

"The Qatari Business Women Forum aims at constantly supporting such initiatives, bringing new ideas and businesses to this country whilst at the same time offering a means for Qatari ladies and even expatriates to network together during such occasions,"

Mrs Alfardan continued.

"Such programmes open more doors for Qatari ladies to partner with other businesswomen in the Gulf region, and we look forward to supporting and hosting more such exhibitions.