''Jellabiya''…Annual Top Fashion Trend in Ramadan

 Female shoppers seek to buy jellabiyas during Ramadan in historic Jeddah (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)
Female shoppers seek to buy jellabiyas during Ramadan in historic Jeddah (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)
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''Jellabiya''…Annual Top Fashion Trend in Ramadan

 Female shoppers seek to buy jellabiyas during Ramadan in historic Jeddah (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)
Female shoppers seek to buy jellabiyas during Ramadan in historic Jeddah (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)

Fashion designers compete every year to come out with designs that keep up with the trends. Known as “jellabiya” - this traditional garment has always been the top fashion choice in the Gulf and Islamic countries during the holy month of Ramadan, which caught the attention of most international fashion designers and urged them to incorporate it in their collections as a folkloric gown highly demanded by women.

Fashion designer and stylist Manal al-Judaibi said Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has a special significance with the unique rituals and the special traditions in every region. Saudi women are used to wear the Ramadan-inspired jellabiya, which has become a common feature that adds a lot of joy to their evenings.

“The jellabiyas of Ramadan come in different designs, cuts, and fabrics. The jellabiyas worn at home are often made of light cotton fabrics for more comfort, while the formal jellabiyas are styled to suit movement and work.

"Jellabiyas designed for work and occasions are usually made from special fabrics and accessories,” Al-Judaibi explained.

The stylist stressed that the body shape should be considered while choosing the cut and design of the jellabiya, which is supposed to give a more flattering look and conceal flaws.

“The jellabiya is still highly demanded despite being a traditional, historic garment. But today, it has a more modern design,” she noted, highlighting the high turnout on jellabiyas. Al-Judaibi also explained that this high demand on this garment is driven by the stylish designs that still manage to maintain the traditional touch and attract all generations.

She also noted that the Ramadan jellabiyas come with special embroideries and prints, mostly Islamic engravings and Arabic texts in a modern style, in addition to folkloric accessories with contemporary twist, noting that the linen fabric is one of the most used in jellabiyas, while Sadu is exclusive for Ramadan.

The Saudi stylist said colors should be chosen in line with trends and seasons. Summer, for example, is know for its vivid colors, while winter calls for warm colors. The chosen color must also fit the skin tone.

Meanwhile, amid the e-shopping boom around the world, many stores in Saudi Arabia have started selling their products online to facilitate shopping, and save time, effort, and cost, which urged many women to shop jellabiyas via Instagram pages and websites that offer them a wide variety of designs and colors, and a freer experience.



Coffee Overtaking Tea Culture in the UK

“Fancy a brew?” is no longer as familiar as it once were as coffee has overtaken tea in the UK (Getty)
“Fancy a brew?” is no longer as familiar as it once were as coffee has overtaken tea in the UK (Getty)
TT

Coffee Overtaking Tea Culture in the UK

“Fancy a brew?” is no longer as familiar as it once were as coffee has overtaken tea in the UK (Getty)
“Fancy a brew?” is no longer as familiar as it once were as coffee has overtaken tea in the UK (Getty)

Discover the hidden gem of the UK's coffee culture, where vibrant independent cafes outshine the chains, offering a unique blend of flavors and atmospheres.

“Fancy a brew?” “I'll put the kettle on then.” Hearing those words are no longer as familiar as it once were as coffee has overtaken tea in the UK, The Daily Express newspaper reported on Monday.

It said grabbing a coffee either on the go or at a café is as part of British culture these days as it is in Italy.

But while every person has its favorite chain, be it Pret, Starbucks, Costa or Cafe Nero, nothing beats finding a decent independent coffee shop one can call home especially when it can seem high streets are dominated by the same chains.

So with the demand for coffee only growing, where is the best spot in the UK to find an independent coffee shop?

A study by Reviva Coffee reveals the UK city that is the hidden gem when it comes to thriving coffee culture.

And it probably isn't where you'd expect. In fact this county is synonymous with tea. Yorkshire Tea, to be precise.

However the study discovered the best UK city to find independent coffee shops is in the Yorkshire city of Leeds. It has a staggering 584 coffee shops, of which 86.3% are independent, and just under 14% are chains.

Placing second is Edinburgh. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just needing a cosy pit stop, Edinburgh has you covered with its outstanding coffee scene with 560 shops, 85% of which are independents.

In third for best UK cities for independent coffee shops is Bristol which has 347 coffee shops, 86.3% of which are independent.