Siham al Saidi -
Muscat, June 27 -
There was a time when all Omani men wore dishdasha, a floor length robe which was dazzlingly white. Youngsters wore embroidered pillbox hats, while elders wore cloth-wound turbans.
The turbans, some of which came from Kashmir, came in bright colours, including amber and turquoise. They were also beautifully tasselled.
Cut to the present: Tradition has seamlessly fused with the modern, a fact quite evident during the Eid or other celebrations across the country these days.
The same men’s clothes are now inspired by the current fashion trends. While the international designers are fascinated by traditional fashion, including the fabric used, and colours and designs, in Oman, fashion is aided by the country’s rich culture and identity.
Many famous fashion brands have sprung up in the country
recently.
For instance, Althawq Alrafeea, a famous fashionable brand for caps, massar (scarf), perfumes and other men’s clothing, launched its sixth branch in Suhar recently. They have been in existence since 2009.
Says Elyas Suliman Salim al Shaqsi, the owner of the brand: “Our aim is to infuse traditional Omani ensembles with a touch of modernity and glamour without letting go the true essence.”
The company’s traditional caps with different designs and colours have drawn inspiration from Oman’s culture.
Massars, made from Kashmir Pashmina and other materials, are available for prices starting from RO 30 to RO 200.
Perfumes are produced by Althawq Alrafeea with
materials sourced from Spain, Britain and France, and they are in huge demand here.
Dar Al Fakhr, another well-known brand for men’s clothes, has gained the trust of Omanis, thanks to its outfits that are both traditional as well as trendy.
Jaber Majid al Farsi, the owner, says what distinguishes Omani citizens is their preservation of identity, customs and traditions despite the advent of “universal fashion”.
“Men’s traditional outfits should be free from distortions, so they maintain their originality and identity,” he says.
There are many other brands and companies all working to keep men’s clothing “elegant and glamorous” with an essence of Omani identity. They try to match, colours, designs and materials to fuse with the modern lifestyles.
Seven Bronze is another famous brand preferred by men. Customers need not visit their branches. They have a presence on social media, where everything, including photographs and price, has been mentioned.
Talking about preserving Omani heritage and culture, Elyas al Shaqsi recalled a childhood incident. His dad was in Britain once, wearing a traditional outfit for a special occasion, and walking across a park. A little boy who saw him asked his mum, “Is he a king?”
Tradition oozes class. That’s the message Al Shaqsi is trying to send across.
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