Abaya Haute Couture Styles

An abaya is the long garment or 'cloak' usually covering from neck-to-toe and is traditionally worn by Muslim women in the Arabian peninsula such as in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar or United Arab Emirates. It is considered as a national dress in this part of the world. The traditional abaya often comes as a black robe that covers the whole of the wearer's body save for the face, neck, hands and feet. In other parts, the white abaya is more often worn as in Far east Muslim countries. There is no prohibition for the color of abayas but the more usual colors aside from black or white are earth tones. What has been a traditional garment for Muslim women has now been the focus of a number of European haute couture designers thus giving a wider choice for anyone who has the means to don such designer creations.

A traditional abaya is commonly made of light fabric. Just recently, top designers in Paris famous fashion houses such as Nina Ricci, Jean Claude Jitrois and Alberta Ferreti, among others, helped glammed up the traditional abaya by incorporating lavish designs and using ultra-luxurious materials making some abaya fetch prices ranging between $3,000 - $20,000.

The most expensive abaya known is one designed by British haute couture designer Bruce Oldfield and is worth $364,000. This uber expensive abaya is encrusted with Crosley diamonds in the neck and cuff, and made of luxurious taffeta and fine black silk.

Alessandra Rich is truly a genius and her latest Spring/Summer 2011 Collection will prove that. These are the latest luxurious abayas from the Alessandra Rich abaya collection, available at Harrod's London. Included are top picks. Al image credits to the the designers official website.

They are the most chic and fabulous designs I have ever seen. Online luxury store Net-a-Porter.com will carry all these creations SOON! I will be providing updates on when they will be available.

For more information about the Alessandra Rich Collection at Harrods in London, you may call visit their site.