Fashion/Clothing
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The Importance of Fashion in Yemen
The women from Yemen in the past knew nothing about the various types of cloth; chiffon, satin, pure silk, etc. They never went to tailors; it was a shameful thing to do. But now it has become normal and accepted. Indeed, women would prefer to go to tailors rather than dressmakers. Women today seek fashionable clothes and styles through catalogs, TV channels, fashion magazines, and so on. This represents a new outlook of the Yemeni women towards a brighter and more developed future. In short, it is an indication of their ever developing taste. [1].
[edit] Yemini Styles
- Yemeni brides have 3 distinct gowns they must wear. There is the dress of the 'eve of the wedding' known as 'Al-Ghasle'. This is usually green in color. Then there is the bridal gown itself, which is called 'Thowb Al-Zifaf'. This is usually white. Finally, there is the gown of the day following the wedding, which is called 'Al-Subhia'. This is often pink. The groom has to cough up the money for buying all those gowns which are worn, possibly once in a lifetime. The cost depends on the model and quality of the dress. It ranges from 10,000 to 100,000 riyals. [2].
- The change in taste has created new businesses - fashion places, dressmakers, saloons for hair-making, face make-up, and other beautification services. The registry of the Sanaa municipality alone boasts over 800 such places licensed in the city. [3].
- Women normally wore two different types, or pieces, of clothes; Qamees -a loose robe was worn over a dress. Qamees were usually worn when leaving the house, while the dress was worn for special occasions such as ‘Eid, or in their daily lives. [4]
[edit] Summary
Yemeni dresses are unique in their patterns and embroidery. They are smartly stylish as well as modest. Threads commonly used in sewing the cloth are of gold, silver, silk or cotton. The embroidery patterns are inspired from nature, shaped as plants or geometrical motifs. Now a days the women of Yemen are trying to strive for a new hip, sexy(ier) look. But the Yemeni women have not totally abandoned the services of the traditional beautification methods. Women still paint on the ‘khidhab’, put on the henna, fix up the ‘shazab’ and other traditional fragrances. But that is now in addition to the 'modern' amenities.
[edit] References
- ↑ http://www.yementimes.com/98/iss31/lastpage.htm
- ↑ http://www.yementimes.com/98/iss31/lastpage.htm
- ↑ http://publications.highestwire.com/planetary_magazine/sections/news/2004/10/06/32/
- ↑ http://www.yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=993&p=report&a=2
