THE ABAYA

« I don’t want to go to Saudi Arabia, there is no way I’m going to cover my head ».

I have heard it many times and said it myself many times and now that I have been there I can reassure you. Nobody is trying to cover your head.

However, I must say that even if I had to, it would have not been a tragedy.

The last thing I could predict is going to Saudi Arabia is that I would have fallen in love with the Abaya.

The Abaya is the large long vest that women wear on the top of their dresses.

The first time I bought an Abaya it was in Oman in 2014. It was black with big embroideries, yellow and purple.

When I arrive in Riyadh, I can’t help admiring the elegance of my Saudi colleagues.

They are not wearing black ones, but colorful ones. Elegant, fine, feminine.

I can’t help admiring them.

I want one as well.

It would match well with all my dresses.

It was in Riyadh that I realise how clothes are a language, especially among women.

I love wearing long dresses, especially in summer. I also have a good reserve of shorts and miniskirts, but feeling long dresses around my legs makes me feel different. More « woman », if I can say so.

The day I show off with a white cotton dress and a red scarf around my neck matching my red shoes, my colleague compliments me:

« Oh, you came here to teach us about fashion ».

I look at her: she is wearing a light purple abaya that suits her very much.

« I don’t think you have anything to learn. You are very elegant. Where can I get one abaya? I would like to buy one before I leave ».

She explains me that there is a suq in Riyadh specialized in abaya.

I know where to go after dinner.