Dolce & Gabbana Releases Collection Of Hijabs & Abayas

DENVER (CBS4) - Upscale Italian fashion icon Dolce & Gabbana has unveiled a new line of women's wear: hijabs and abayas for the "Arab world."

The brand's first abaya collection was announced on Style.com/Arabia on Sunday, "to celebrate the inimitable dolce vita that is distinct to us in the Arab world."

Dolce & Gabbana's abayas, long flowing garments, and hijabs, those that cover the head, come largely in neutral hues with a sprinkle of prints reflecting the signature Sicilian spirit.

The Middle East is a growing global consumer, with luxury stores abundant in cities like Dubai. Fortune recently reported that the next big untapped fashion market would be Muslim women, who "spent $266 billion on clothing and footwear in 2013," -- more than Italy and Japan combined.

"Globally, the Muslim population is a youthful and growing demographic," Fortune reports.

The announcement was met with mixed feelings on social media. Some believe it is a great move for such a high-profile brand to offer fashion to women of all kind. Others say the hijab and similar garments are not worn for fashion but for religion, and should stay that way. Still, some regret that women are required to cover themselves in the first place.

DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, and Oscar de la Renta are other brands that have catered to Muslim women in the past year by releasing a collection for the Ramadan holiday.

A Muslim community resides in Colorado, and the largest population of Muslims comes together in Denver at the Colorado Muslim Society.