GCC designers showcase traditional fashion

Dubai: The much awaited DSS 2008 signature event, Shaila and Abaya Fashion, opened to an impressive gathering of fashion enthusiasts in BurJuman on Thursday as some of the prominent designers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) showcased the latest trends in traditional clothing.

DSS organisers said the opening witnessed an overwhelming attendance by visitors and shoppers. Media representatives also filled the "Pavilion Gardens" with tens of cameras and journalists from all over the region.

Inaugural shows

The shows of the first day were also attended by Suhaila Gobash, events manager at the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, in addition to a host of fashion guests and designers.

Ameenah Al Jasem from Saudi Arabia and Khadija Al Lamki from Oman showcased their collections to mark the opening of the third edition of Shaila and Abaya Fashion.

Al Jasem's creations reflected her characteristic use of simple designs focusing on functionality while Al Lamki displayed her expertise in the use of silk and intricate designs in abayas.

Today's shows will feature the collections of Hanayen, a leading fashion label for abayas in the UAE, and Bahraini designer, Aisha Ali Yateem.

Hanayen was established in 1990 by Nader Nouraei at Al Ghurair City and the company has since grown to retail in shaylas and abayas in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and Oman.

Yateem graduated in interior design from the American University of Dubai in 2006 and thereafter pursued a fashion design course in London School of Fashion Design.

Fully occupied with her family establishment, Al Bait Al Bahraini LLC, the designer aims to tap into the high-end markets