Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Following the lifting of the ban on women driving in the Kingdom, comfort and fashion are the key drivers in the women’s statement while driving.

Keeping this in mind, abayas for driving have been produced in the Saudi market in a new way to present females’ new lifestyle.

This new line of abayas focuses on practicality, and some of the abayas’ designs are such that there’s a marked similarity to the jumpsuits style.

Saudi Gazette interviewed the founders of ‘Alaa and Hala Fashion House,’ Alaa Alharazi and Halah Ajeeb, who launched a driving Abayas’ line during June.

“We created a new line of abayas that are more practical and comfortable for woman who drive. We created this line after they allowed Saudi woman to drive. We were determined to let Saudi women still wear the traditional abayas while driving, but with a twist that will allow them to be comfortable while driving.

“For example, this abaya includes fit sleeves, light material, and a new style of pants and jumpsuit abayas that will allow them to feel free and not be hindered while driving. The styling is such that it will allow them to use the brake pedal and the accelerator with ease,” said Ajeeb.

People can either go to the shop and buy these abayas directly or can see the abayas for driving line on their social media accounts with the name of ‘alaaandhala’ in Snapchat and Instagram.

During the interview Alharazi mentioned that other than these trendy abayas, their fashion house is gearing up to launch other new abayas and clothes collections in the coming months.

Alharazi said, “We will be presenting for the next month our summer collection that includes, beach dresses, veiled dresses summer abayas. What makes this collection so special is that all the colors are bright and summery and the fabrics are soft and light.”

Ajeeb added, that since their business is expanding they will be opening their new shop in Basateen Center soon, and are planning a limited edition collection, too.

“For the first, because of the opening of our new shop, we will launch a limited edition collection which is called ‘Alaa and Hala's Journey.’ This journey is so unique and special because it describes our journey through 12 years.

“Our customers will find in this collection the most demanded pieces and the most lovable designs throughout the previous collections in this line but with a new style,” Ajeeb said.

According to Alharazi since 2015 the owners started producing fragrances lines that has continued to be in their shops annually ever since.

Alharazi added, “This year we will have three new perfumes that have different scents such as, musk and powder, amber and oud wood, and the third special one includes the cardamom scent with different spices. For me the third one is very unique.”