Fuchsia Pink Large Floral Embroidered Appliqué Abaya Dress

Africa - Northern Africa

Fuschia Pink Large Floral Embroidered Appliqué Abaya Dress

Sizes: XL, 2XL, 2XL (relaxed), 3XL, 4XL

Opacity: 3

Sleeve: Cropped

Elasticity: The fabric has minimal elastic content, however the cotton component of the fabric will slowly stretch to your shape (similar to the way denim stretches to fit the wearer).

In North Africa, the Djellaba, or abaya dress commonly worn around the house, is a common clothing style. This is the silhouette of this dress, a simple dress cut on a slight A line that falls elegantly from the bust. This specific example also has the ever popular ruffled sleeves, another popular feature of African dress. But the thing that truly differentiates African modest dress from other traditions is the African celebration of colour!

Africa is a sun drenched continent. Often associated with deserts and dry savannah grasslands, the fact is this is a continent of immense variety and natural beauty. Like Australia, the harsh sun means the natural world has developed in a way that utilises bright and/or saturated colours as a feature. Just think of South African Proteas and their similarity to Australian Waratahs. Or the multi coloured red ochre cliff faces on the edges of the African and Australian desert zones. Striking, rich, often warm colours are a common part of the natural world in both these continents.

Hence, it is no surprise that this tool of the natural world (or tool of God for the Muslims and Christians of Northern Africa who see the processes of their creator in their natural world), is embraced in African dress! There is absolutely nothing immodest about the African use of bright colour in their clothing. It is not being utilised to seek attention from humans (the opposite of modesty), but rather it is being done in recognition and celebration of Allah (Arabic word for God), and the way that God has created the stunning world that influences African fashion.

So don’t be afraid to enjoy the saturated bright colours of modern African modest dress. It is a style of great beauty and shows great respect for the natural world. And with our shared environmental features and sunburnt countries, it is a style of dress that could not be more at home in an Australian setting. We send our love to our African sisters and thank them for the beautiful variety and feminine strength they bring to modern modest fashion! ❤️

Garment Measurements in centimeters (bust)

XL - 107

XL (relaxed) - 112

2XL - 122

3XL - 127

4XL - 132