Kuwaiti fashion designers Tahani Al-Otaibi and Dhaher Baqer displayed their products at the AltaRoma 2019 Fashion week, marking the first participation of designers from the Gulf region in the Italian haute couture. Al-Otaibi showed a collection of 15 Sunset Abayas - long black robes worn by women in the Arabian Gulf region - while Baqer showed 15 Special dresses for women. Al-Otaibi said she was proud to be the first female from Kuwait and the Gulf to participate in AltaRoma's International Couture Fashion Show, and expressed her gratitude for all audience who showed loved her designs." This success is an evidence that Kuwaiti fashion designers are creative and their readiness to face challenges, as well as to change from being mere importers of Western fashion to exporters of quality clothes associated with heritage," she told KUNA.

Al-Otaibi said she was eager to take the traditional Abaya - which has many uses including soirees, weddings, feasts and Ramadhan gatherings - to international markets." Abaya is an elegant dress which can fits all tastes and ages. It can be used in the traditional way, modern, sport, home gatherings and work places," she said. Baqer meanwhile said she was proud to have participated in AltaRoma, which would definitely be an added value to the way he approached designing. Speaking to KUNA, Baqer said Gulf and Arab people have "unique styles which reflected the beauty of their selection of clothes."

Maria Christina Rigano, supervisor of the International Couture Fashion Show, praised the Kuwaiti designers for the success of their designs, attracting marketing specialists. She said the International Couture Fashion Show was an opportunity for designers to show their products for more than 120 marketing specialists. Kuwait Ambassador to Italy Sheikh Ali Khaled Al-Sabah, speaking to KUNA, received Al-Otaibi and Baqer at the Embassy and expressed his pride for their contribution. He said fashion has high economic revenues which could be part of the diversification of the economy.-KUNA