There is a very specific kind of abaya styling most of us grew up with. Making sure the inner matches, choosing shoes that will not catch the hem, adding a simple watch, carrying a bag that makes it look like you planned the outfit. It works, it is easy, and it is also why abayas have been treated like the outfit you wear on top of your outfit.
That era is officially in the rearview. We are witnessing a shift where the abaya has shed its status as a mere “cover-up” to become the protagonist of the wardrobe. The wider fashion conversation is only now catching up to that versatility. We see it layered over denim on a coffee run, sharpened with tailoring for meetings, pushed into evening with texture and shine. It is still modest, still rooted, still recognisable, but just more fashion-forward and styled with more intent. Dubai has been the runway for this change and it created a role that used to be invisible. The abaya stylist who builds a look instead of just covering one up. Faheem Ismail is the name at the top of that list.
Dubai born, he got into the industry as a teenager through a friend, then built his way up through real work on real shoots. No fashion school story, just the right eye and the confidence to say the obvious thing out loud. Abaya shoots were being styled like an afterthought. Matching inner, safe jewellery, keep it clean, move on. Working closely with designers through Stellar Studios, he started proposing stronger visual direction and more expressive styling, always within the rules that matter.
As we continue the conversation around Ramadan dressing, and how many Ramadan campaigns still follow a narrow, safe creative approach, Faheem breaks down the myths, the formulas, the fabrics that actually hold up in photos, and the small upgrades that make an abaya look feel styled while staying rooted in modesty and heritage.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how your interest in abaya styling began?
I was born and raised in Dubai, and my journey into abaya styling began quite unexpectedly. A friend introduced me to the industry when we were both teenagers. I had no formal background in fashion just a natural eye for aesthetics and creativity. We began freelancing together and later opened a production studio called Stellar Studios.
Most of our clients at the time were abaya designers, and I noticed that styling for abaya photoshoots was often very minimal usually just a matching inner, without much thought beyond that. Since our clients were mainly in the abaya space, I started suggesting new approaches, pushing for stronger visual direction and more expressive styling.
It took time before a client trusted me with full styling control, but that particular shoot was a huge success. I realized there was a significant gap in the market for fashion-forward abaya styling. Gradually, more clients began reaching out specifically for that approach. From there, the perception of abaya photoshoots began to evolve and I’m proud to say we helped pioneer that shift in how abayas are styled and presented.
What’s your favourite abaya myth to debunk, and what’s the styling truth people should know instead?
One myth I love to debunk is that the abaya is not a fashion piece, that it’s strictly cultural and shouldn’t be styled creatively.
The truth is, the abaya absolutely can be fashionable, but only when you understand modesty and culture first. When you respect its purpose, you’re not “breaking” it by styling it; you’re elevating it thoughtfully.
I would never suggest styling an abaya in a way that compromises its modest essence. That’s the foundation. But within that foundation, there is space for silhouette, layering, texture, proportion, and colour.
You can go out of the box, but you don’t cross the line. That’s the difference between styling for attention and styling with intention. For me, the abaya isn’t restrictive, it’s disciplined creativity, and that’s what makes it powerful.
When you’re styling an abaya for Ramadan nights, what are the three details you check first?
First, the cut. The silhouette must feel intentional structured or fluid, but precise. If the tailoring isn’t right, nothing else matters.
Second, colour. I gravitate toward rich, elevated tones for Ramadan, think gold, brown, burgundy, white, silver. They reflect beautifully under night lighting and carry warmth without feeling loud.
Third, accessory direction. During Ramadan, I’m not afraid to go strong and elegant. I don’t mind if the accessories slightly overshadow the abaya — that contrast can elevate the entire look. A sculptural bag or statement jewellery can shift it from simple to lifestyle. A Ramadan look should feel luxurious, confident, and intentional.
Abaya-over-jeans can look either cool or chaotic. What’s your go-to formula?
It always comes down to category first. Not every abaya works with denim, the fabric, weight and cut decide everything.
For daily, lighter abayas in colour, straight light-wash jeans create an effortless, balanced feel. The clean line of the denim keeps the look cool rather than messy.
For evening, I shift the depth. Dark brown or black wide-leg jeans create a stronger base and add sophistication. The darker tone grounds the abaya and makes the layering feel intentional.
The formula is simple: balance the volume, control the colour contrast, and let one piece lead. If both the abaya and the jeans compete, the look becomes chaotic. If one supports the other, it becomes cool.
For someone building a small Ramadan rotation, what are the 3 abaya styles you’d pick?
For Ramadan, I recommend fabrics with body and depth, jacquard, structured crepe, velvet. They hold their shape, frame the silhouette, and photograph beautifully under night lighting. The cut matters just as much: clean tailoring, defined shoulders, or a controlled A-line will always read more elevated than something overly soft or shapeless.
I tend to avoid very thin, limp fabrics on their own for evening, they can lose structure and fall flat in photos.
This season, I’m styling three pieces I genuinely love: a jacquard viscose abaya from Wearfold for texture and movement, Bouguessa’s structured Noura long blazer in mocha for its refined tailoring and effortless elevation, and a velvet piece from Harlienz for depth and richness. Each one carries presence and that’s essential for Ramadan nights.
What’s your quickest “style upgrade” for an abaya look?
My quickest upgrade is starting with the base layer. I often add straight or wide-leg trousers with a fitted T-shirt or vest underneath. It immediately gives structure and intention.
I stay within a grounded palette, brown, beige, white, black, then introduce a controlled pop of colour through accessories or shoes. That contrast elevates the look without overcomplicating it.
For me, styling is about small, intentional steps. You don’t transform everything at once—you refine it gradually. And everyone finds their own rhythm in that journey.
