Sponsored by MTN Yemen and organized by The Heya Foundation for culture, creativity and women's development, the “Yemeni Traditional Attire with Modern Touch” fashion competition was held on the 15th of March 2014 for the second time in the Yemeni history.
The fashion show, also sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, featured Indonesian, Yemeni and Arab models introducing wedding dresses, Saudi and Yemeni Jalabiyas and Abayas (cloaks) in addition to the Pharaonic attire whose two designers achieved first place in the competition.
The diversity and richness of traditional and modern outfits, including Jalabiyas and dresses of fall and summer 2014, particularly drew the audience’s attention.
The event also included a special exhibition of heritage attire, handicrafts and silverware that can still be seen in various villages and rural areas of Yemen.
The competition, which featured a variety of artistic shows, aims at preserving the Yemeni heritage and supporting handicrafts, on one hand, and preserving the heritage of the traditional attire for women while ensuring its fusion with modern trends, on the other hand. The event also seeks to empower female designers to promote their innovation at all levels.
At the launching of the competition, Yemeni Culture Minister, Dr. Abdullah Oubal, highlighted the importance of preserving the national heritage, pointing out that the Ministry of Culture is keen to support and keep this heritage alive from generation to generation.
Arab and foreign ambassadors attended the event along with their wives and members of the diplomatic club, in addition to businesswomen and high society ladies.
