Abayas make a fashion statement . Exqusitely styled abayas are the trend nowadays. Women are determined to make a fashion statement out of the typically plain black robes that was the trend earlier.

Now abayas come in different styles with sparkling crystal beads, pearls, satin flowers, embroidery, or patches in coloured fabrics.

For a wedding or other special occasion, the abaya must be as stylish as the dress underneath - and the shinier, the better said one of the designers who specialise in abaya stiching .

"We here must wear abayas, in Saudi Arabia. So, much as other people like to show off their clothes, the only thing we can take pride in is our abayas," said Shamila Abusally a Sri Lankan now living in Riyadh .

"Since the abayas are commonly black in colour, designers introduce novelties on it. If you go to a wedding, you will see abayas more expensive than the gowns," she said.

"I choose my abayas as I would choose a bag or a ring. I have a cupboard just for abayas. My relatives in Saudi Arabia do the same," said Sharmila, adding she would spend up to 3,000 dirhams (820 dollars) on a wedding abaya and half that amount on one meant for other outings.

The "shaila", or large scarf wrapped as head cover, must be matching. Alternatively, a fancy shaila will liven up a plain abaya worn at work or on daily errands.

"The cuts differ too," said Azra Hilmy.

"You’ve got the French cut for instance, which fits the body and becomes wider at the bottom. And there’s the butterfly, which is trendy at the moment," he said, showing off a sample of the "butterfly" with a wings-like cut under the sleeves.

While classic black lace is still used, Swarovski crystal beads, single or multi-colored, are the hit for dressy abayas.

"They have a special sparkle. And they don’t fall if you wash the abaya," said Azra, explaining why these particular crystal beads are so popular.

The simple traditional abaya, costing in the range of 55 dollars, is still holding its own even in liberal-minded expatriates especially among the older generation.

But advocates of fancier versions are convinced they can combine fashion and modesty.

Abayas have now become fashionable with many designers opting for different styles

Nowadays few of them want to wear one and the same design of abaya all the time. To solve the problem a few international designers decided to try themselves in this, earlier unknown for them, sphere of creation.

It was the process of constant learning of Islamic traditions, customs and fashion tendencies. It was not easy. But the result is fantastic. Abayas made by designers were chic and sophisticated, adorned with rhinestones and made of luxury materials. These new styles of abayas are popular both among the old and the young.

Exquisitely styled abayas make a fashion statement However, women in Arab countries especially in Riyadh are more conservative in their choice of abaya colours, and there are some restrictions prohibiting very attractive and colourful abayas in Riyadh.

Abayas in vibrant hues, with bands of glistening diamantes, sheaths of leopard prints, glittering stones, ribbon and lace embellishments, etc. are just some of the designs in abayas that are gaining popularity

It is said the latest trend in abayas is inspired by the old traditional Egyptian "milaya laf" dress, which women used to wear in the 1920s in Egypt.

Abayas in butterfly and fish silhouettes and with embroidery designs on the neck, back and borders also score high with expat women, and so do black abayas blended with bright and flashy colors, and those embellished with sparkling diamantes and detailed bead work in the front. Satin pleated abayas with chic net sleeves give a modern and contemporary look.

The women whether they are teenage girls, working women or the elderly, have their own explicit tastes and manner of wearing their abayas. Note that the young girls prefer funky and heavily embellished abayas in vibrant hues.

Little girls also do not want to be left out. They can choose from a variety of abayas, such as, those adorned with cartoon character motifs of Tweety, Fulla, Barbie, etc.

"My abayas are unique and stylish. I like them to be glamorous, and to be something that catches one’s attention at first sight. For this, abayas do not have to be heavily embellished; they look nice when they are simple and elegant. Above all, the abaya should be a good fit," explained Shamila Abusally.

Working women, for reasons of comfort and convenience, prefer styles that stand out as simple yet elegant. Mostly, they do not spend much to buy abayas.

"My abaya has just a touch of embroidery on the sleeves and the bottom. It is simple and decent with well-finished motifs. The sleeves are not too long as long sleeves can be a problem while travelling, working, shopping and dining out," said Aynfer

Abayas are priced according to their designs, embroidery, fabric, etc. Swarovski crystals, are commonly used as abaya embellishment by women of all ages

Like in everything else, trends in abayas, their colors, designs, fabrics, etc., are dynamic. Most abaya fabrics in the Kingdom are imported from Japan, France, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand and China, with those from Japan being the most common and of good quality. Silk, polyester, georgette and satin are the popularly used abaya fabrics. The Kum Seeni (Chinese-arm) styled abayas or Aade, the normal one-sleeved abayas come in an elegant net finish.