Traditional Yemeni Abaya Goes Funky 

2009-07-12 21:12

 

Glittering embroidery, blinking stones and funky colours slowly make their way on the black Yemeni abaya dress.

In recent months, the traditional abaya – also called "balto" in Yemen – has increasingly turned into a funky accessory.

In Hadda Street in the capital Sana'a, boutiques display the latest creations inspired from the Gulf.

[Sanad Al-Amari, Shop Manager, Bint Al-Khalidji]:
"The business goes well, with the new fashion designs and changes in fashion and renewal of everything."

His prices start at 150 dollars but go up to 500 dollars per balto.

Local businessman Taha Omar, who runs another abaya store downtown, is also delighted about the shopping spree.

[Taha Omar, Shop Manager of Al-Anood]:
"There are unique types of fabrics, different from normal market like frizz or crimpling models. New, special things different from the
market."

The new-style abayas are made of fabrics such as Japanese crepe or chiffon, and produced in other Gulf countries.

The details are then attached to the garment in local handicraft workshops in Sana'a.

The abaya "cloak" is an over garment worn by some women in parts of the Islamic world, to shield the female body from prying eyes of the opposite sex.

Conservative elements in Yemeni society however reject the new abaya style and eye-catching designs, with some people considering it shameful.

Lemis Al-Odaini, an Arabic language teacher, says wearing a new abaya should be an individual decision.

[Lemis Al-Odaini, Arabic Language Teacher]:
"It's true, the balto is black but because of the colorful designs it becomes like a dress. Women love such designs. I don't say it's legal (haram) or not legal; it depends on the taste and style of the girl, if she likes and is convinced about it, or if she only follows the fashion."

The classic black balto however still dominates the picture in the Yemeni capital.

Despite a modest creep-in from the world of fashion and glamour.