Lamya Abedin: Hollywood Glamour, Betty Boop and Jumpsuit Inspired Abayas

Talented Emirati abaya designer, Lamya Abedin



I was flicking through a copy of Arabian Woman the other day when I came across an exclusive interview with Emirati abaya designer Lamya Abedin. What is striking about her designs is that while many abayas today can appear over-done in embroidery and embellishment, some dripping in crystals and sequins, her abayas are simple and clean cut with bold designs which make a statement.


Take for example her last collection which consisted of 80 one-of-a-kind abayas  inspired by old age Hollywood glamour and which oozed Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

The abayas are adorned with gorgeous fabrics such as velvet, chiffon, silk, tweed and lace as well as brooches, belts, fishtails and even portable sleeves! She also uses a variety of prints from florals and polka dots to stripes, paisleys and metallics.

Lamya finds her inspiration in all sorts of places-from her travels around the world to countries like Turkey, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tunisia and even Japan (which inspired her kimono-style abayas) to vintage Holywood, and even Betty Boop who inspired her limited edition Valentine's abaya!

Lamya Abedin's Betty Boop inspired Valentine's abaya



Not only does Lamya design unique abayas which no more than one woman at a time can own, but she is also innovative with her abayas, being the first to come up with the "Pantaloon Abaya", a jumpsuit-style abaya, as well as a travel abaya, maternity abaya and sports abaya. Some of her abayas are reversible-you turn them inside out and discover a second design!


Even her boutique, "Queen of Spades", situated in the glamorous Galaries Lafayette at The Dubai Mall, is like an old vintage store, with antique trunks and chairs and plush theatre-style curtains. The name "Queen of Spades" comes from Lamya's wish to treat every one of her clients like royalty; her abayas are fit for queens and the "spades" symbolize the blackness of the abayas.

 With her kids helping to choose out the fabrics and her husband helping to sketch the designs, Lamya involves all the family in her business.

All I can say is that I can't wait to see what Lamya comes up with next!