Ramadan style at Slouchy’z

The Ramadan collection by Emirati designer Maryam Al Selaich keeps colours neutral and silhouettes loose. She tells us why she’s not a fan of the belt.

Slouchy'z abayas at USH boutique in Dubai Ladies Club. Jaime Puebla / The National

Maryam Al Selaich established her UAE-based couture and ready-to-wear business in 2010. Seeming to buck the trend of recent years, her abayas and evening dresses are never tailored to the body. Her latest Ramadan collection is no exception, with a range of free-flowing, voluminous pieces featuring diamond harlequin patterns and Islamic-inspired prints.

What are the key features of your Ramadan collection?

The entire Ramadan collection is inspired by modern architecture, specifically in the Middle East region; the mosques and buildings. So, there are plenty of geometric shapes and lots of straight lines. I’ve used lots of linen, cotton and crepe, with plenty of handwork and Arabesque stitching. I also have some pared-down, classic abayas in darker colours of brown, black and navy blue.

What’s your favourite piece from the range?

I have one, but it’s yet unnamed. It’s basically off-white and black linen, with a statement pattern on one side – which very much reflects our Islamic culture. I’ve also embellished them with tassels, reminiscent of kaftans. The Ramadan collection’s inspiration was Tribal, a line launched two months ago; it’s a definite extension of that.

Have you had many pre-orders for Ramadan and Eid?

Yes, especially this year. Early May was the cut-off time for me to take most orders. However, for the more exclusive pieces, that you can see on the website and in my lookbook, they are mainly sold exclusively – meaning only one or two versions of each are made. Orders have come in mostly for pieces to be worn at evening gatherings or during Eid.

The abaya continues to undergo something of an evolution. Are you, however, more in favour of conservative, simpler designs?

Yes, I do respect that viewpoint a lot and consider it a great deal when designing. That’s why my brand name is called Slouchy’z, I only do loose abayas. I don’t make anything that’s close to, or defining the body. That said, abayas do tend to be mostly black and I like to bring life to them with brighter, lighter colours.

Do you have belts available for clients who prefer a more tailored look?

I have some, but as a designer, I try to avoid using them and advise the customers against them. Mainly because they define the body and the abaya doesn’t look proper and decent. My concept is that a woman looks more feminine if she wraps the abaya around her body like a robe.

How do you adapt your wardrobe during the Holy Month?

I combine a lot of kaftans and abayas, they go together well. Sometimes, mainly when we go to gatherings, I’ll wear a kaftan and a customised layer on top which looks like part of an abaya but it’s actually part of the dress. The palette is always neutral with lots of my signature black and white.

Abayas start from Dh2,600 and are available at USH boutique, Dubai Ladies Club, or online at www.slouchyz.com