Geometric Abaya dress with belt

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco as part of Contemporary Muslim Fashions.

Unlike traditional abayas, Faiza Bouguessa’s designs are distinguished by their crisp lines and forms, which reflect her training in England as a tailor and patternmaker. Bouguessa remarks, “Though I design abayas and modest clothing . . . my designs could be worn by any type of woman anywhere in the world.” A version of this dress (left open to the thigh) was worn by the American singer Beyoncé.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Contemporary Muslim Fashions.