Colorful embroidery, blinking stones and funky motifs have slowly made their way on the traditional black abaya. While one might question the appropriateness of wearing these fashion pieces to a busy market or any other public place, their appeal among women who like to flaunt their style among their friends and family remains strong.

Sarah Sabeh Ayoun is one such young designer whose vivacious and colorful personality is reflected in her abaya designs.

Sarah has an abaya for everyone — whether you are looking for something classy, offbeat or unpretentious, she has got it all covered.

Arab News caught up with the talented designer and found out more about her design philosophy and edgy style.

Tell us about ‘Fashion Passion by Sarah’ the brand.

It’s about viewing and translating the world through unique designs that speak more than reality could ever do. It’s Fashion Passion by Sarah because designing abayas is my passion where it adds fashion to my clients’ outfits. I started this business seven months ago on a very small scale, and after a while I saw the passion of my clients to wear my fashionable abayas, which gave me a push to make my own brand.
 
Tell us a little about yourself. 

I am a Lebanese and have studied Business Administration and Marketing. I work as a Quality Manager. My hobbies are reading, shopping and traveling.

How did you make a foray into the world of abaya designing? Was it by chance?

I started designing abayas for myself. I would be stopped every time at the mall to be asked about the place I got my abaya from. So I thought I should design abayas for others as well. And that’s how it all started.

What are the fabrics you use?

Knowing the climate of Saudi Arabia, which is marked by high temperatures, I’m careful when choosing the fabric. I use local fabric as well as imported and stick to basic Cotton Ultra, which is made up of 100 percent combed cotton fabric with vibrant colors and improved wash durability. This is keeping in mind that not only the weight of the fabric matters for such a weather but also the colors that are incorporated. The lighter the color the less heat it attracts. 
 
What is the inspiration of your two latest collections?

Every collection is based on something. The “Travel Around the World” collection was inspired by the people around me who are planning to go on vacations and visit different countries, so I was wondering about those who couldn’t make it to travel this summer. So it hit my mind to start looking for fabric that would make them feel as if they have traveled with their abaya and thus, this collection was launched.

Meanwhile, I have launched a new collection “Back to School” as all the students and teachers are excited for the new academic year. My inspiration for every collection is not only the occasion but also people around me.
 
How would you describe your collection — traditional or modern — and why?

Fashion Passion by Sarah is where culture meets fashion. So for me it is a combination of both. I’m keeping the basics of the traditional abaya and using colorful fabrics and designs, which touch every woman’s life differently.
 
Who are you target customers?

My abayas target every single woman who believes that style is a way to say who you are without having to speak
 
What is the price range?

The price range of the abayas depending on its design starts from SR 600 and goes up to SR 850. I’m presently working on silk abayas, which will have a different price range.
 
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? 

Because the best accessory a girl can wear is self-confidence I will rank it as 10.

Please advice our readers on what things they should keep in mind while shopping for abayas.

One of the most valued and important part of a female’s life today in Saudi Arabia is her abaya. I would suggest for you ladies to keep in mind:

1. That to be irreplaceable you must be different, that’s why when you’re hunting for abayas try to look for everything that’s different and unique — not only in the type of fabric but also in terms of the colors and accessories.

2. Being different is beautiful, so try abayas that you have never thought you might wear one day.

3. It’s not about the brand, it’s about the style. While looking for abayas don’t stick to fancy, branded abayas but look for what suits you and the occasion. So it’s not about the brand it’s about the style.

4. The occasion for which you’re getting the abaya also matters. Do you need an abaya with a zipper or an open one?

5. Feel comfortable while choosing your abaya.

For more updates on Sarah’s world of abayas, check out her Facebook page: fashionpassion by Sarah,

Instagram: fashionpassionbysarah and

website: www.fpbysarah.com

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Email: [email protected]