High-end Italian fashion label Dolce & Gabbana has released its first ever line geared toward the female Muslim shopper.
Revealing a collection of abayas and hijabs for fall/winter 2016/2017, the luxury brand joins others including Juicy Couture, Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta and DKNY in catering to high-spending Middle Eastern clientele. With existing stores in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, the decision is savvy considering the Middle Eastern luxury goods market hit $8.7 billion last year, rising from $6.8 billion in 2014.
Of course, long before fashion houses and retailers caught on, Arab and Muslim consumers have been big spenders in luxury fashion.
From sunglasses to handbags and from shoes to jewelry, Muslim women have long been finding ways to incorporate high fashion items into their traditional wardrobes.
Last August, Juicy Couture's crystal studded Abaya made headlines as did H&M's decision to feature a veiled model its advertising campaign.
With more than 1 billion Muslims throughout the world, it only makes sense for fashion companies to begin catering to culturally specific sensibilities.