Shraddha Kapoor blends tradition with style in an Abaya-inspired corset gown for Joy Awards in Riyadh

Styled by personage manner stylist Namrata Deepak, Shraddha Kapoor completed her look with minimal accessories, donning a brace of elemental aureate driblet earrings and aureate precocious heels. A pulled-back bun, soft, dewy makeup, a hint of blush, and a delicate winged eyeliner completed her look for the night.

Describing the look, Sugandha Suneja, Assistant Professor, Department of Fashion Management Studies, NIFT Panchkula, explained that an abaya is simply a long, loose-fitting cloak, considered a awesome of modesty and taste individuality for centuries successful the Arabian Peninsula and the broader Muslim world. “Its origins tin beryllium traced to the pre-Islamic epoch erstwhile humble covering was emblematic among women successful the region, influenced by societal norms emphasizing privateness and discretion,” she said.

While the modern signifier of the abaya evolved from the “ra’s abaya,” an unfastened quadrate cloak draped implicit the caput and body, the accepted garment was crafted from elemental materials similar fabric oregon wool and occasionally adorned with gold-thread embroidery for peculiar occasions, she added.

Marker of societal presumption and identity

“At its core, the abaya aligns with Islamic principles of modesty arsenic outlined successful the Qur’an. The garment is simply a carnal practice of ‘haya’ (modesty), a conception that encompasses behavior, speech, and dress. In blimpish societies, it besides functions arsenic a bound marker betwixt backstage and nationalist life, ensuring women tin navigate nationalist spaces portion adhering to taste and spiritual norms​,” said Suneja.

While the abaya was traditionally a elemental and functional cloak, it besides indicated a woman’s societal status. Wealthier families often opted for finely crafted abayas made of luxurious materials similar silk, adorned with embroidery oregon gold-thread embellishments. Suneja besides mentioned however the abaya finds its intent successful ceremonial events—serving arsenic a bridal garment, draped implicit the bride to signify purity and modesty, oregon during spiritual occasions similar Ramadan oregon Hajj, wherever its relation lies successful connecting the wearer with broader spiritual practices.