14th June, 2015, Dubai UAE:
Caravans…oh my soul is on the run
Caravans….moving out into the sun
Inspired by the colour, vibrancy and traditions of the free-spirited gypsy life, Lamya Abedin launches her latest line of creations this Ramadan, aptly named The Caravansary.
Abedin has reinvented the attires of yesteryears to create her new collection of abayas and kaftans, true to the spirit of age-old desert dwelling. The effervescent collection sees colours like never before, coupled with handmade artistry and decorations of renowned Arab and Asian cultures. You will find Jordanian handmade needlework, Afghani embroideries, Aztec and ghitra prints in synchronized harmony all across her creations, giving this new collection an edge over the usual.
Abedin has specially chosen to photograph her collection campaign at the Fatima bint Mohammed bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI) carpet showroom this year, which is run under the patronage of Her Highness herself. The organization works to support more than 20,000 impoverished Afghans, by creating job opportunities. Working in the midst of striking weave works with vintage style carpets as a backdrop, sets the mood perfectly for The Caravansary Collection. Abedin pays tribute to the heritage and hard work of Afghani women; who spend years weaving intricate carpets in specialised yarns to feed and educate their children.
As always, Abedin has looked far and wide to source traditional materials and tribal prints from markets and textile shops across India, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and various parts of interior GCC. On her material scouring trips, Abedin has consulted with local artisans, tailors and craftsmen to bring out the originality of their artistry in her own creations. Handmade floral embroideries, intricately dyed textiles, bold prints are some of the quintessential elements of gypsy styles that Abedin has brought to the forefront of her Caravansary collection.
Expect dramatic pieces that explore international fashion trends yet stay true to the roots of Arab culture. Patterned monochromes have been mixed with contrasting pops of colour; rich embroideries, crochets, lace and tassles have added texture to the prints. Her very own favourite creation in this collection is the one-of-a-kind cropped abaya with fringes, available in two colour options. Abedin feels this ready-to-wear piece is a great addition to any wardrobe to brighten up everyday fashion.
A more luxurious option and another of Abedin’s favourite design is the double Aztec print abaya paired with rich jacquard – available in black and white, as well as a neutral shade of beige.
Lamya has bravely blended styles and adapted age-old fashion elements to create this edgy, ethnic collection. She has created a handcrafted, signature version of the Oqal to use as vintage-style belts for her designs; in order to recreate what the Bedouin sheikhs used to wear ages back.
Kaftans have become quite the mainstay in this new collection. From soft, layered and flowing varieties to stiffer silhouettes, the kaftan has made frequent appearances in the Caravansary Collection. Very wearable, these abayas and kaftans are sure to appeal every fashion-conscious woman.
Silks, cottons, jacquard, linen and handmade embroidery are the most prevalent textures and fabrics you will find in this series. Turbans and chunky trinkets have become perfect style accompaniments to the collection.
“I have always been intrigued by nomadic fashion and culture. I feel the beauty of bare nature makes a perfect backdrop for the vibrant fashion sense of the Bedoiuns and gypsies. The Caravansary Collection is my expression of this love for unpretentious style that can effortlessly stun an audience,” says Lamya as she wraps up her seasonal photo shoot showcasing some of the key creations of the collection.
Unique and utterly trendy, the Caravansary Collection will transport you to the early centuries of nomadic Arab lifestyle and culture. Be prepared to indulge in an edgy yet defining collection of ensembles that will not only stand out in a crowd but even tell a story…a story from the heart and the soul of a traveller.
**Please note, Thumbay Group, Gulf Medical University, and HEALTH magazine are not liable nor responsible for the facts, figures, and overall content of the press releases on our portal.
