Dolce & Gabbana introduces its first abaya collection

Why wouldn’t the high-end fashion brand take this route? It is, indeed a lucrative business, evidently so when Fortune reported that Muslims spent about US$266 billion on clothing and shoes in 2013.

The first-of-its-kind collection, the new collection is aimed at Muslim women in the Middle East, who are known for their flair for everything bold and beautiful.

Notwithstanding, there are a series of luxury fashion brands that are already familiar with this market segment and have put out hijab line in the last few years like Oscar de la Renta, DKNY and Monique Lhuillier.

The D&G couture spring/summer collection, among others, features sheer satin hijab or head wear in black and ivory.

Dolce & Gabbana and Stefano Gabbana’s official Instagram accounts revealed today the D&G Abaya collection that tells the story of grace and beauty of the marvelous women in Arabia.

Some of the collection bear signature prints which include fruits, pretty flowers, polka dots on silk, lace and satin that exudes the ying and yang of drama and simplicity in femininity, which the brand is famous for.

This collection has to date received mixed responses from netizens all over the world. Some feel that D&G is taking on a bold and noble move while others are merely sceptical.

Zaihani Zain, Malaysia’s most sought-after stylist, feels happy that this Italian fashion duo are taking advantage over the booming business of Muslim wear segment across the globe. She, however, hopes that she could say the same about the design of the collection.

“It’s wise that they are aiming for this market and I actually love this development because the Muslim wear market is huge. And I see this as an acceptance of the world, in the fashion world, for Muslim women and fashion. That Muslim women and their desire to be fashionable while maintaining modesty and dressed demurely can’t no longer be ignored,” said Zaihani.

She added, “But, I don’t quite see anything extraordinary with this collection. I feel that D&G could have done more. The silhouettes of their abayas are rather staple – they are what I have already seen in the market. In that sense, I would expect more from D&G.”

For 29-year-old TV producer, Ayu Dewy Puspa who has just started to wear the hijab since June last year, the collection is pretty and that she can never afford to own luxury pieces such as this.