A cape is a sleeveless outer garment, which drapes the wearer’s back, arms and chest, and fastens at the neck. It has become one of the most sought after cover-ups on fashion catwalks and makes for great street styles.

Capes have quickly become a favorite clothing item and an in-demand fashion piece for it is chic, majestic and can do wonders for the simplest of wardrobes, transforming a casual style into an altogether high-fashion outfit with not much effort.

In winters, a cape is a brilliant and chic way to wear a coat. International designers seem to agree that it is the prefect way to add that extra oomph factor to the final look. Indeed, a pair of denim pants and a white shirt is just a normal outfit, but with a cape on top, it instantly upgrades the look from blah to wow.

On the designer front, there is Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Givenchy and other high profile brands making luxurious capes. As expensive as they may seem, the investment potential here is huge right next to the tweed suit and the trench coat.

And if there is anything we’ve learnt from these designers, it’s that the only cover-up you need to know about, is the cape. Here’s why: The cape is the perfect piece for layering in winters with all that knitwear or in summer over a pretty print fabric dress or striped top and ripped jeans.

For work and meetings, throw a stylish black-cropped cape that will instantly spice up a classic white shirt and black cropped trouser combination. That is one chic look for any and every occasion.

Ever since actress and trendsetter Gwyneth Paltrow rocked that white stylish Tom Ford cape at the Oscars in 2012, we all have been trying our best to find the perfect cape moment of our own. Lucky for us, Saudi abaya designer Samah Khashoggi came up with beautifully stitched cape abayas that will make you look royal.

In her words, her cape abaya philosophy is being able to completely change how a woman feels about herself. “A cape in my opinion signifies a sense of majesty,” said Khashoggi. “I designed cape abayas because I wanted every woman to feel like a queen herself. There is a certain power and highness in the way the cape stands on the shoulders, and a soft femininity in the way it flows,” she added.

The designer came up with around ten different designs of capes using different textures and patterns such as lace, embroidery and stones. All designs have elegant embroidery on the shoulders that transforms the cape from stylish to majestic.

When asked what sets her apart from other abaya brands, Khashoggi said: “What sets me apart from other brands is firstly, the introduction of the cape design, as well as having a special technique in terms of embroidery and the materials I use. I make sure to use the best quality of materials.” She added: “Also my signature cut is not only very fashionable but is very practical as it allows easy movement for the woman wearing it.”

When designing a new line of cape abayas, the designer keeps in mind everything royal and luxurious as an inspiration to come up with an elegant everyday abaya. “I’m currently working on a new collection with an alternative theme unlike anything I have done before, but expect to see more capes, as I have adapted it to become one of my basic cuts that can be developed to compliment all my future collections,” she said.

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