Fashion has always played a significant role in defining a nation’s cultural identity and this is very true when it comes to the traditional clothing worn by Kuwaiti men and women.  The dishdasha, accompanied by the gutra and egala for men, and the abaya for women, are the items most would consider being the “authentic” Kuwaiti look.  However, like most cultural traditions around the world, the national clothing of Kuwait is becoming less and less popular to the young people who will one day lead the nation.  Teens and young adults want nothing more than to express themselves and carve out an identity, however, that is difficult to do when everyone looks the same.  Take Japan for example where most kids wear fake eyeglasses simply because close to twenty million people, all wearing the exact same school uniform, traverse the streets of Tokyo and other cities each day.  Having unique eyewear, which expresses the student’s individuality, is the only form of self-identity students are allowed to express in such a strict culture.   

Now, let’s take Kuwait as an example.  It’s not to say that the tradition of the dishdasha and abaya are completely gone.  Weddings, for example, will often feature exquisite formal dishdasha for the men.  Women can now opt for high-end designer abayas from Chanel and Gucci.  However, what many young Kuwaitis are doing is merging the two worlds together.  Mixing traditional elements with modern fashion is something that the new Kuwaiti youth have perfected, and it makes them easily identifiable when traveling as they have developed a unique style only found in Kuwait. Many young Kuwaiti women can be found in hijab bejeweled in vibrant colors and paired with a sleek leather jacket and designer boots.  Today, young men pair a baseball hat and comfortable sports shoes with a more modern fitting dishdasha or a gutra and egala with a tailored suit.  

It is important for young adults to have an identity and to be able to express themselves, but it is equally important for the youth of a nation to embrace their heritage and culture.  Being able to mix and match elements from the past with the modern is necessary to keep traditions alive and evolving.  It is refreshing to see the youth of Kuwait displaying their creativity and at the same time, honor for their past.