Why This Design?
I've always loved wearing abayas. I love the elegance, the flow and the way they make me feel.
One thing I've always struggled with though is finding the perfect length.
I'm a tall girly... well, tall for my ethnic background anyway! I'm 5ft 7.5" (yes, the 0.5" is very important! 😂).
That awkwardly puts me between sizes. A size 58 is just a little too long, while a size 56 feels slightly too short for my liking. I guess that makes my ideal size... a 57, which unfortunately doesn't exist. More often than not, I end up having my abayas tailored just to get the length exactly how I like it.
As a mum of four children under the age of 11, life is always busy. If you have little ones, you'll know exactly what I mean. I'm constantly on the go, but I still want to feel put together. When I started thinking about an autumn collection, I knew exactly how I wanted it to feel: cosy, comfortable, practical and effortlessly elegant.
Most importantly, I wanted to stay true to the modesty that Anaqa was built upon. Every fabric, every silhouette and every design decision had to reflect that.
I also wanted to create something versatile. A piece that could be worn in multiple ways, paired with different outfits and become one of those items you instinctively reach for every autumn.
Starting With the Skirt
Before I even thought about the jacket, I knew the collection had to start with the skirt.
The question I kept asking myself was:
"How can I design something people will get the most wear out of?"
The answer felt simple. A two-piece set.
Not only could it be worn together, but each piece could easily be styled separately with other items already in your wardrobe. I chose an A-line skirt because I love the way it flows as you walk. It gives that elegant movement without feeling restrictive.
Keeping the front waistband flat was important too. It allows the skirt to sit smoothly across the tummy without adding unnecessary bulk, giving it a cleaner, more tailored finish. Comfort was another priority. That's why I added an elasticated waistband at the back. It allows for natural movement throughout the day, accommodates small changes in body shape and makes the skirt easy to slip on without needing a zip or buttons.
And of course... deep pockets were completely non-negotiable.
I wanted them large enough to actually be useful, but cleverly hidden within the seams so they wouldn't interrupt the clean lines of the skirt.
Designing the Wrap Jacket
Once I was happy with the skirt, I moved on to the jacket. The very first thing I decided was the length.
I wanted it long enough to provide comfortable coverage around the hips, but not so long that it overwhelmed the skirt or looked like another dress layered on top.
Just below the hips felt like the perfect balance.
Next came my favourite feature, the asymmetric wrap front. I knew from the beginning that I didn't want another ordinary straight-cut jacket. I wanted something with a little more character. The overlapping front creates the illusion of layering without needing multiple garments. It adds softness, movement and elegance while keeping the overall look clean and timeless. To me, it's this detail that really gives the jacket its personality.
I also chose a detachable waist tie because I wanted the styling to be completely up to the person wearing it. Some days you may want a more defined silhouette. Other days you may prefer a relaxed, effortless look. Having both options was important to me.
The button wasn't added simply for decoration either. It helps keep the wrap securely in place, so you're not constantly adjusting it throughout the day. Every detail had the same purpose: to create something elegant enough for an occasion, yet practical enough to wear every day.
Choosing the Fabric
Once the design was complete, it was time to choose the fabric. This was one of the biggest decisions. I didn't want anything too heavy, but I still wanted that cosy autumn feel. The fabric needed to wash well, hold its shape and be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. For the skirt, I wanted a fabric with beautiful movement.
For the jacket, I needed something structured enough to maintain its semi-tailored silhouette.
After looking through countless options, I finally found a fabric that ticked every box.
It's warm without feeling bulky, completely opaque and incredibly comfortable to wear during the cooler months. The skirt is fully lined from top to bottom with a soft, breathable fabric, while the jacket features a silky lining that makes it easy to slip on and off.
Refining the Details
Like every design, the very first sample wasn't the finished product.
Seeing it in real life helped me notice the little things that drawings simply can't show.
Originally, the skirt was slightly longer, but after trying it on I felt shortening it a little created a much cleaner finish and stopped it brushing along the floor.
The waist tie also went through a redesign. Initially, it was attached to the jacket and threaded through a discreet opening at the side. Once I saw the sample, I realised the jacket looked much more elegant with a completely separate belt.
Not only did it improve the overall look, but it also gave the wearer the freedom to choose whether to wear it cinched at the waist or left loose for a more relaxed feel.
The sample colour also wasn't quite what I had imagined.
It was a little lighter than the vision I had in mind, so I chose two richer tones that, to me, perfectly capture the feeling of autumn.
Every change was small on its own, but together they transformed the design into exactly what I had envisioned.
Looking Back
Looking back at the journey from the very first idea to the final sample, I'm incredibly proud of how this collection has come together. What started as a simple idea slowly became something I genuinely can't wait to wear myself.
Every adjustment, every fabric choice and every design decision was made with intention. Although you'll only ever see the finished garment, I see every sketch, every sample and every little refinement that brought it to life.
And now, it's almost time to share it with you. Our new Autumn Set is coming soon, insha’Allah.
Keep an eye on our emails and socials for the official reveal and launch date. I genuinely can't wait for you to see the finished piece. 🤎
