Eid

Photo: Courtesy of Lema Afzal
Lema Afzal always gets in a festive mood for Eid—the celebration to close the month-long sunrise-to-sunset fast for the Muslim holiday of Ramadan—thanks in large part to her outfit. The 25-year-old student, who has gone viral for wearing traditional Afghan garb, explains that it is customary to wear a new piece of clothing for the event. Afzal, who was born in Afghanistan and immigrated to Belgium from Kabul at four years old, chose to wear her traditional Afghan garb this year. “Usually people buy new clothes for Eid and try their best to dress up nicely because it’s a whole celebration,” says Afzal. “I went for a traditional Afghan outfit–one that I haven’t worn before–because it instantly puts me in a festive mood.
Photo: Courtesy of Lema Afzal
Afzal embraces her Afghan threads often, whether she’s dressing up for a holiday or infusing the pieces into her daily wardrobe. While she has been posting her traditional garments online since 2016, her colorful Instagrams went viral last October when the initiative #DontTouchMyClothes launched in response to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Her Instagrams–and her strikingly bright clothes–are a glimpse into the diverse ethnicities that make up Afghanistan and their respective textiles. There are over 14 ethnicities in Afghanistan, including Pashtun, Hazara, Uzbek, Turkmen, and Tajik, and each has its own form of ethnic dress, which vary in beading and embroidery styles.
Her father’s side of the family are nomadic Kuchi people of the Pashtun ethnicity, and Afzal’s clothing mostly comes from them. They are most famous for their use of coins in clothing. For Eid, Afzal opts for a traditional coin necklace crafted out of tiered metal beads which descend into a layer of blue and red stones, and then a swathe of silver coins. Historically, women wore coins to ward off evil–the jingle would scare them–and ensure fertility.
Photo: Courtesy of Lema Afzal
As for the dress, it is layered with meaning. The velvet skirt is a vibrant violet with white thread embroidery on the hem. “The flowy skirt makes me want to twirl around all day. Eid is all about good vibes, and a colorful traditional Afghan outfit is the best choice in my opinion because of the vibrant colors and extravagance of the dresses,” she says. (Beneath her skirt, she wears a pair of emerald green pants). The upper portion is reminiscent of a stunning tile. While it appears from afar that the prints are painted on, they are actually finely threaded. “It is made by hand,” says Afzal. “It [the embroidery] is one of the things that Afghans specialize in.” Finally, Afzal wears a head-turning silk scarf around her shoulders, a piece that is traditionally for modesty. The final result? A stunning kaleidoscope of hues–and, of course, meaning.
Photo: Courtesy of Lema Afzal
Originally published in Vogue.com
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Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Online fashion luxury retailer Net-a-Porter has launched its most expansive Ramadan edit to date. Powered by localization capabilities, the newest collection takes into account data insights that show an increased demand not only for regional talent but also more inclusive sizing, new tailoring, and more lifestyle products, bringing a 30% increase in the number of exclusive designs in the Ramadan edit in comparison to last year. The most coveted regional ready-to-wear brands including Reem Acra and Taller Marmo, are joined by homeware brands such as Nimerology as well as fine jewelry brands like Ananya.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Over the last few years, Net-a-Porter has been bolstering its link to the Middle East through continuous localization efforts promoted by Net-a-Porter Arabi. With numerous opinion leaders highlighting Arab women’s triumphs and ambitions alongside successful launches of designers like Elie Saab, Net-a-Porter aims to broaden their offering.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
For its seventh Ramadan campaign, Net-a-Porter’s enlisted a team of local talent who took the shots in the passageways of Dubai’s Al Fahidi District. The picturesque location pays homage to Ramadan festivities and nostalgia through dramatic silhouettes and Arabesque characteristics. The upcoming edit will feature exclusives from Elie Saab, Marchesa Notte, Rasario, Reem Acra, and many more, giving customers a unique edit of the collections in time for the Holy Month.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Highlights include Taller Marmo’s successful ‘one size’ pieces, kaftans, and breezy occasionwear silhouettes, while Jenny Packham and Marchesa Notte present statement designs as floor-skimming dresses and regal capes. Reem Acra and Oscar De La Renta are also offering an upgrade to the structured kaftan that can be worn through Eid.
Nisreen Shocair, CEO Yoox Net-a-Porter, Middle East commented, “Two years into the journey of Net-a-Porter Arabi, we’re finally heading towards our north star. This Ramadan campaign offers a message of inclusivity, optimism and kindness. All of which represent the sustainable values of the Holy Month. The exclusive product offering this year is bigger and more colorful than ever to truly capture the spirit of the occasion.”
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After a sacred month dedicated to charity, Eid Al-Fitr is right around the corner. To mark the joyous celebration that connects loved ones worldwide in the act of giving, Dubai-based luxury fashion and lifestyle platform The List has curated an edit of the most special gifts. Whether you’re shopping for family members, friends, or treating yourself, this mobile marketplace offers the most covetable products at the tip of your fingers, available on The List app and website.
From the luxury statements of Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Balenciaga, and Valentino to the timeless pieces of Hermès and Chanel, the list goes on, making sure there is something for every preference. The edit also includes precious watches and jewels of Rolex, Cartier, Anita Ko, and Chantecler, for those with an appreciation of pieces that can be cherished forever.
With a prevailing presence in more than 190 countries, The List ensures that no one is left uncherished, delivering luxury to doorsteps anywhere and anytime. Sourced from the most renowned boutiques from across the world, look no further than this list of gifts to be inspired this Eid and share something special with all of your loved ones.
If you like to shop on the go, The List’s iOS mobile application has added a drop model to the regular marketplace. This means you can now purchase highly demanded, limited, and hard-to-get globally sourced products without VIP status, waitlist, or queue at dynamic market prices.
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