As The Island descends into its rarer, chillier months and one can finally step out-doors proudly donning a Hoodie or winter abaya – the many young, modern Bahraini designers are keenly taking up the challenge in hand.... 

It would seem to the humble observer that the bare linens and silks of summer are being replaced with far more heavy-duty, durable fabrics such as luxurious velvet and trending tweed. Denim and rubbery leather blends, as seen here in a new piece by August Abayas (@august.bh) are even creeping into the new releases, in-line with cutting edge editorials on display in current issues of Vogue Arabia. 

Featured is an editorial from Carta Abayas (@Carta.abayas) latest release, take note of the exaggerated, heavy weight sleeves, adding a contrasting wintery tone to the piece. 

Living in Bahrain provides one with the privilege of observing and soaking up the elegant, ornamental style with which Bahraini women carry themselves. It’s common to spot women wrapped in pale, pastel-colored abayas over neutral tones, accessorized with matching hijabs, delicate jewelry and sharp makeup - creating an utterly polished and somehow nonchalant look. 

In true Bahraini form, they have found a way to make the abaya a wonderfully fashionable expression of individuality and personal taste while still remaining grounded by its symbolism of tradition and heritage. 

As the more adventurous fashion trends unfold it is not uncommon to catch expatriate women wearing the occasional designer abaya – unable to resist draping these gorgeous eastern style cloaks over their own shoulders, sooner or later. 

The increasing number of abaya designers starting out, together with the recent revival of the local fashion industry is further testimony to the Bahraini’s ability to create unique designs while remaining true to the original symbolism that it holds and that its wearer embraces. 

The question that now remains is, how will we see these winter designs with their structured lines and sporty accents worn and accessorized? Will the Bahraini women decide to remain true to the mono-toned, ornate sandals and ‘it girl’ sneakers that monopolized the trends of this past summer? And will they continue to finish off their outfits with only the sleekest and most delicate of neckwear and bracelets? Or, will we start to see chunky, winter-worthy accessories being embraced along with bolder, stronger footwear, following the suggestions of Vogue... 

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