Vogue Arabia
Founded in 2020 by designer and CEO Noora Al-Hajri, Qatari label Khat, approaches the abaya as something fluid, shaped by craft and worn with ease. The Lace Symphony, the brand’s latest collection, is conceived as a two-part series that explores texture and movement across seasons, offering a more layered approach to dressing. Drawing on Qatar’s cultural heritage, the collection reflects a design language that balances tradition with a contemporary point of view.
The collection unfolds in two chapters, each offering a distinct mood while remaining connected through a shared design language. The first chapter introduces a more tactile direction. Abayas are rendered in heavier fabrics, with velvet and lace creating a sense of depth. Silk is layered with weightier textiles, creating contrast while maintaining fluidity. Here, the abaya takes on a sculptural quality, closer to outerwear in its structure, while retaining a softness in movement.
In contrast, the second chapter shifts towards lightness. Fabrics become more fluid, silhouettes more relaxed. Colour enters with a softer palette, bringing a sense of transition that feels in step with the season. Alongside the brand’s signature abayas and Ramadan jalabiyas, new forms appear, including tailored suits and jumpsuits, extending KHAT’s offering beyond its core. The collection draws on references that move between Parisian refinement, Chinese artistry and Italian textiles, brought together through a distinct point of view. With both the chapters, intricate hand embroidery runs throughout, with some pieces requiring over one hundred hours of work.
This evolution reflects a broader approach to design, one that considers how a woman moves through her day. Pieces are created to transition from morning to evening without effort, balancing statement with wearability. Each design is conceived to feel personal, carrying a sense of presence that extends beyond occasion.
The idea of versatility continues through functional elements. Jalabiyas are designed with inner belts for adjustability, while blazer abayas are cut with the precision of outerwear. These choices allow the pieces to adapt across settings and occasions.
Underpinning the collection is a focus on craftsmanship. Developed over the course of more than a year, the process involved research, travel and material exploration. So it's unsurprising to find luxurious custom-made fabrics and buttons on many of the silhouettes. The result is a collection that feels refined and expressive, where each garment carries its own presence.
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With The Lace Symphony, Khat presents more than a seasonal release. It marks a moment of growth, anchored by an evolving dialogue with its wearer. As the collection moves from winter weight to spring ease, it offers a new way of approaching the traditional garment, one that is defined not by occasion, but by how it is lived in. In doing so, it signals a shift in modest fashion, where the abaya is reimagined through construction and material rather than convention.