The first ever Abaya design competition in the Arab World to air on MBC1
Persil Abaya Shampoo, the product specialized for black abaya, has announced the first ever competition for the design of black abayas, Arwa’a Abaya, which will be aired on MBC1 during the morning show “Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab”. Persil Abaya Shampoo is looking for talented designers to give them the opportunity to showcase their creative ideas.
Arwa’a Abaya competition will give young designers and consumers the opportunity to present their elegantly designed abayas which will be judged by famous abaya designers. The most creative winner will finally be chosen after two months of screening and judging that will take place in July and August.
During the first two weeks of June, female participants were encouraged to submit their creative abaya designs. The designs are inspired by the interests of the Arabian women, who are distinguished by their appearance as well as the elegance of their black abayas. The abaya is one of the oldest traditions in Arabic society and in particular in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which represents part of the female national dress. Black is widely considered to be a symbol of the Arabian abaya and suits any occasion and any time.
Despite the variety of fashion on offer, the abaya has managed to maintain its allure and avant-garde status in the region and has even taken pride of place and attention on the catwalk in local and international fashion shows.
Mr. Memosh Khawaja General Manager at Henkel Group commented, “Our Arwa’a Abaya competition was created to bring to light the modern designs of the traditional abaya; but most importantly we really wanted to promote and encourage female designers’ to bring out their potential in the Arab world and in KSA in particular.”
The first of its kind in the region, the Arwa’a Abaya competition has captured the attention of viewers from different countries, and designers from the GCC, Levant, Africa, and even the USA and UK have uploaded their designs on the MBC website (www.mbc.net/abaya). Six female contestants were selected to show off their abaya innovations to the public.
From July 6th to August 17th, 2009, contestants will be presenting their work each Monday during the morning show “Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab”. In each episode, contestants will explain and elaborate on their abaya designs and the concept behind it. In addition, contestants will be subject to a jury consisting of industry professionals who will select the best abaya. The winner will be awarded SR 50,000 offered by Persil Abaya Shampoo.
Mr. Khawaja concluded, "The abaya is important in our society and our main priority is to preserve it. Persil Abaya Shampoo has been launched to care and maintain the black colour of the abaya, to ensure it always looks distinguished and elegant.”
