Dolce & Gabbana Breaking More Barriers in the Fashion World
Josie, NICHE Fashion
Tapping into a market that was missed, Dolce & Gabbana released a first glance into their new line of high-end hijabs and abayas, head coverings inspired by typical Muslim women’s garb. There is no surprise that this was a project on the go as sales of personal luxury good in the Middle East were up from $6.8 billion in 2014 to $8.7 billion in 2015. Dolce & Gabbana currently operates 13 stores and boutiques in the United Arab Emirates and is tapping into one of their markets that is consisting of loyal customers. This new launch was a smart move by the Italian fashion house as Middle Eastern luxury sales are soaring above U.S. and Europe.
The high-end line of headscarves and floor-length, traditional dresses comes in black and beige, and feature printed daisies, lemons and red roses.
“Brands are finally taking note of what I’ve been advocating since I founded the fashion brand Haute Hijab in 2010 — that Muslims (in this case Muslim women) are a thriving, fully-functioning and active segment of society who deserve to be acknowledged and heard,” wrote Melanie Elturk, CEO of online retail store Haute Hijab.
But designers should remember that hijabs are not a fashion accessory, Elturk wrote, but rather “a religious garment with deep and profound significance.”
