Nouf Sufyani by Jude Linjawi Artwork by Raghad Alowaidi

What is Under The Abaya?

UNDER THE ABAYA: Street Style From Saudi Arabia is more than a street style book; it’s a non-profit initiative that promotes women empowerment through academic scholarships awarded from 100% of the proceeds of book sales. 

Abrar Abid Photographed by: Maram Al Khadi Artwork by: Raghad Alowaidi
Reham Abulfaraj shot by Zakaria El fallahi Artwork by Raghad Alowaidi

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Nada Al Nahdi Photographed by: Houssam Saba Artwork by: Raghad Alowaidi

"Under The Abaya, which is published by Niche Arabia in partnership with Cadillac, aims to showcase individualism at its best — personal style that's embedded in heritage, fully confident in its own sense of cultural identity, and connected to what's trending today."

Refinery 29 - July 23, 2018

"More than a “fashion” book, this initiative is a statement to normalize Saudi Women image and identity.  Abaya is no longer an obligation in the country but abayas will not disappear. When most of the time this traditional garment is pursued as a symbol of women oppression, with this book, Mossalli reinstated the true meaning and value behind the iconic black piece of fabrics."

Influente Women - June 20, 2018

"Edgy, creative, surprising; the images are as eye-opening as they are inspiring, serving as a peephole - and a wake-up call to the rest of us - to a culture that is truly coming into its own on the world stage, finally having been given the opportunity to showcase its women's "adventurous style, enigmatic persona, and how [they] celebrate this newfound era of fashion independence."

Grazia ME - May 13, 2018

“شكّل الكتاب وموقعه الإلكترونيّ زاوية بارزة تُترجم كيان ورؤية المرأة العربية عموماً، والسعوديّة خصوصاً وسعت مريم مصلّي إلى إظهار الصورة الحقيقيّة ورسالة المرأة العربيّة المثابرة والجبّارة إلى العالم.”

Marie Claire Arabia - July 9, 2018

"This month, fashion history was made with the publication of the first street style book from Saudi Arabia, appropriately titled Under the Abaya: Street Style from Saudi Arabia."

Destination Jeddah - March 1, 2018
Samah Kamil Photographed by: Osamah Al Shubar Artwork by: Raghad Alowaidi

"Under the Abaya: Street Style from Saudi Arabia encapsulates a desire to tell stories, and create opportunities"

- HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud Saudi Arabia ambassador to the United States

Manar Al Omayri Photographed by: Eva Zubeck Artwork by: Raghad Alowaidi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marriam Mossalli is a seasoned fashion editor and entrepreneur. She began her career by establishing the lifestyle section of the leading English daily in the Middle East, and even today, while running her luxury communications firm, Niche Arabia, she continues to be a contributor to international fashion titles and is often called upon in the media as an expert in her respective industries: Fashion and Luxury Marketing.

@marriam.mossalli

Raghad Al Ahmad Photographed by: Rawan Al Turki Artwork by: Raghad Alowaidi

Inspire Through Art

Under the Abaya is a platform that champions the potential of our youth. "Inspire Through Art,” is one way that Under The Abaya aims to inspire the next generation of thought leaders and innovative. An initiative that commissions young female creatives to “beautify” local parks, schools, and youth centers with motivational art and quotes.

In celebration of World Teacher’s Day, “Inspire Through Art” teamed up with Dar Jana School to create a mural based on the drawings of their elementary school students. The initiative then chose Building Blocks School for its location to celebrate World Children’s Day, and graffitied their football field wall with motivational quotes. The movement is still providing support and strives to beautify our local institutions, uplift our youth and inspire them with creativity!

Ibtisam Al Somali Photographed by: Heef Ashy Artwork by: Raghad Alowaidi

UTA Cruise

The Kingdom’s first not-for-profit female empowerment platform, Under The Abaya, celebrated its 5- year anniversary aboard the 6000-passenger cruise, MSC Bellissima, on International Women’s Day! The #UTACruise sailed along the Red Sea coast, from the historic port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Aqabah, Jordan, in a four-day cruise; making it the largest female empowerment event in the region. Filled with female-led panels, workshops and live entertainment, the four-day cruise brought together female entrepreneurs from various sectors, such as sustainable travel and wellness. The cruise also served to announce the opening of submissions for the the third edition of the Under The Abaya streetstyle book.

Siham Lamoudni Photographed by: Nicola Fioravanti Artwork by: Raghad Alowaidi

UTA x Rally Jameel KSA

UNDER THE ABAYA PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST EVER WOMEN’S SAILING RALLY COMPETITION.

Under The Abaya is pleased to have seen such a shift in the strong and independent women who participated in the first ever women's on- and off-road rally in Saudi Arabia, which traveled from Hail to Riyadh. The women's sailing rally event took place from March 3 toMarch 9, 2020. The rally competition, which began in the city of Hail and finished in Al-Qassim, was organized under the direction of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Association, and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, served as the finish line for the major race. The two powerful teams with over 34 teams and over 67 female drivers and co-pilots competing, the Shero Rally Team and IBEX Rally Team, both teams were under “Under the Abaya” umbrella, participated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's first-ever navigation rally for women. Under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, from March 16 to March 19. The rally competition began at Hail, moved through Al Qassim, and finished inRiyadh.