What makes women happy? If there was ever a million-dollar question, this would be it. Scientists have unsuccessfully tried to answer it.
Women are famous (read: infamous), for their love of shopping, an activity they often indulge in, yet they are mostly unsatisfied with the state of their wardrobes.
What then will give women complete bliss, delight and peace, in other words, a state of nirvana?
A Saudi fashion house catering to the whims and allure of every woman has good reason to call itself just that — Nirvana.
Nirvana started on a small scale in Jeddah, almost 20 years ago, but has now grown with a set of young and dynamic designers and craftsmen from Saudi Arabia with their contemporary abaya and kaftan designs. Earlier, its clientele was limited to a specific group of buyers. Now the Nirvana team of designers is open to the local market as they rise with growing popularity on social media with celebrities and social media influencers wearing their famous kaftans. Saudi fashion blogger and designer Alanoud Badr of the famous Lady Fozaza brand was recently pictured in a Nirvana creation.
Their new collection consists of a fun selection of funky, whimsical and regal abayas. Nirvana’s unique selling point lies in its nurturing concept behind the brand.
Collaborating between urban and Mediterranean themes, Nirvana merges the right blend of ethnic Arab, Persian wear and influences from the South East.
Each garment is fundamentally designed keeping in mind the mood and eccentric nature of the person it is designed for. The fabrics include brocades, cotton, velvet, silk, net, lace, tussar and organza. In a color palette favored for Saudi Arabia, the hue palette is a combustion of maroon, gold, cobalt, burgundy, old rose, purple, gray, magenta, cream, parrot green, olive, royal blue, fawn, black and brown.
Abaya designs are carefully constructed with soft chiffon and brocades using linen and silk. Nirvana abayas also involve a hint of velvet appliqué and regal zardozi work including other designs in georgette, chiffon, and silk with net draped over bejeweled pieces.
In a chat with Arab News, Nirvana’s head designer Hannah Hassan, 47, reveals more about herself, the brand’s philosophy and more:

What are the fabrics used in the new Ramadan collection and why?
Pure crêpe and hand-woven pure silk printed material is used in the front to give exclusivity to the abayas/kaftans. The light weight material falls beautifully and adds grace to the outfit.

What is the inspiration of the collection?
The collection celebrates the elegance of rich cultural heritage that defines unity in diversity.

How would you describe your collection — traditional or modern — and why?
The collection is focused on ethnic traditional art with an outrageous modern attitude because while it’s firmly rooted in hand-woven high quality material and hand-printed traditional art, it also challenges the immense versatility of the modern day. It can be worn as an elegant abaya, a flowing Kaftan or a comfortable and trendy beach robe.

Who are you target customers?
The product is targeted at anyone and everyone who believes in her own individual power to make a difference. It’s the attitude you wear.

What is the price range? And how much does the costliest abaya in the collection cost?
The basic collection was at a modest price of SR1,000, however, the next collection is made of traditional hand embroidery called zardozi, shadow work and wooden hand block printing on pure silk. The price range would be different.

The general perception is that designer abayas are good for the ramp only. On a scale of 1 to 10, how wearable are your abayas?
Ten! You have to try it to believe it.

What would you say to those who say the entire purpose of wearing an abaya is for hijab and not to attract any attention whereas such beautiful and ‘fashionable’ abayas do anything but avoid attention?
Hijab to me is the intention and the vibes you send around when you are in public places. It’s more to do with how we behave and carry ourselves than what we wear. Of course, the outfit must be decent, elegant, subtle and not loud. We must be honest in our understanding of Islam. However each individual is entitled to his/her own perspective. To me Islamic clothing is any outfit that covers our body and adds elegance, respect and grace to the personality.

How did you make a foray into the world of abaya designing? Was it by chance?
To me the concept of an outfit is something that should define the inner beauty of a person. I have always been passionate about dress designing but my other engagements never allowed me time to pursue it. This is why so far I have only designed a few exclusive pieces.

What are your hobbies?
Fashion designing, film making, traveling, painting and reading.

What are your qualifications?
I have a Masters in international business relations and another one in HR.

Please advise our readers on what they should keep in mind while selecting abayas.
Tip 1. Follow your heart. 2. You define fashion than to let others define it for you. 3. If you like the product and if you feel great then go for it because you will look great. 4. I suggest a closed and an easily manageable material for an abaya when going shopping; a flowing, light weight silk/crepe abaya that goes with your personality, is open from the front, for parties; and a close front abaya in dark shades of black, grayish black or blue/black for work.
Follow Nirvana on Instagram at nirvana_fashion.
—
Email: [email protected]