Monday 10 May 2010

Modest Fashion from Chechnya

Trendhunter magazine has a curious article about the a fashion show in Chechnya showcasing modest designs:

The local Chechen government commissioned the Arzhiyeva sisters to create Muslim-inspired fashion, then showed it in Grozny last week. The Arzhiyeva sisters designed Eastern-inspired floor-length gowns in jewel-toned colors with accents of heavy embroidery and metallic trims. Complete with hijab-framed faces, the ensembles are reminiscent of medieval fairytale gowns.

The Arzhiyeva sisters’ creations were shown in Grozny, Chechnya, where Islamic extremism has fueled separatist wars with Moscow. The medieval fairytale gowns are part of the designers’ second fashion show collection. Perched on the front row, Kadyrov and his wife enthusiastically clapped as 25 dark-haired Chechen models paraded the flowing dresses which completely cover the arms and are pinched at the waist with shimmering cords. They sell for $3,000 a piece in Grozny’s most luxurious boutique.

“To find something modest amongst European clothes shops is so difficult, this is refreshing,” said Mizana Aliyeva, 28, one of 700 guests at the show, entitled “You are in heaven.”

Read the article and see the pictures here and here.



Niqab and High Fashion

The Times (9th May 2010) has a curious article about the potential effect of the niqab ban in France on designer shopping:

THE Avenue Montaigne in Paris is a magnet for wealthy shoppers. This summer, though, the Saudi princesses often to be seen browsing in black robes among the Chanel handbags and La Perla lingerie may stay at home — or shop elsewhere.

Under a proposed French law banning women from wearing the burqa in public, they could be fined. Their husbands, often potentates in their home countries, could end up in jail.

“A lot of our customers come from the Gulf, especially Qatar,” said a public relations officer at the exclusive Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a stone’s throw from Chanel. “There is some concern about this law.”

“They’re some of our best customers,” said a shop assistant in Chanel. “It’ll mean a drop in our sales.”

“London will certainly look more appealing,” said Sarah Peters, a retail analyst with Verdict Research. “Luxury retailers will benefit most, especially the big department stores.”

image source

You can read the full article here.