Introducing The Nanoabaya: The Future of Modest Activewear That’s HH Sheikha Moza of Qatar Approved
The garment was created by VCUarts Qatar fashion design student Noor Rashid Butt
While active modestwear is far from a trend, one clever VCUarts Qatar student has unveiled a fresh take on the “sporty” abaya.
Introducing the Nanoabaya…
Perfect for women who enjoy spending time outside and being adventurous – especially during the sweltering GCC summer months – this particular garment boasts a new kind of technology designed to keep the wearer comfortable in extreme weather conditions.
Yesterday, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar shared a few photos within her Instagram grid wearing the abaya, which has been designed by VCUarts Qatar student Noor Rashid Butt (@/_by.noor/), whilst out and about with the school’s students.
What is a Nanoabaya?
According to a post in Sheikha Moza’s Instagram feed, the abaya is made from fabric that uses nanotechnology to absorb vitamin D-rich light, blocking the sun’s harsh rays. The fabric also boasts thermal insulating properties that help to regulate the body’s temperature.
“This design is part of a wider project which aims to develop functional textiles with thermal, anti-bacterial, UV-protection, self-cleaning, or water-repellent properties, a project overseen by Dr Khaled Saoud, Physics professor, and Christopher Fink, Chair of Fashion Design, at VCUarts Qatar,” the caption notes.
Sheikha Moza wore the Nanoabaya to a recent walkathon organised by the Qatar Foundation, in collaboration Qatar Charity to raise money for those affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@mozabintnasser
