Creative Design: Graduate

Beyond Abaya

---

Abstract

This creative project used a Shima Seiki knitting machine to create a unique abaya. Abaya is an Arabian Gulf traditional women’s garment. It is a loose, full-length dress with long sleeves covering the entire body except for the head (Tashkandi, 2014). The Beyond Abaya silhouette was inspired by the bisht, an Arab men’s gown, worn on specific occasions by elders or men with prestige and position (Al-Mukhtar, 2012).

The design consists of two pieces: a sleeveless, ribbed maxi dress and a long, kimono-style gown with an opening on both sides to insert the hands. The ribbed dress was knitted with a seven-gauge machine, and the gown was knitted with a 14-gauge machine.

Keywords: Shima Seiki, Bisht, Abaya, Saudi Arabia

How to Cite:

Hakeem, F. & Xia, S., (2022) “Beyond Abaya”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.15886