Raffaela D’Angelo shows 'made in Italy' burkini in Milan

Designer Raffaela D’Angelo has made the headlines by showing a 'made in Italy' burkini on the Milan catwalks. The small beachwear brand based in Como, northern Italy, and founded by the eponymous designer, caused quite a stir on Saturday in Milan.

Right in the middle of the fashion week, D'Angelo caught the media's attention by showing a swimming costume covering the entire body, from head to feet. The burkini ban issue which arose in France will no doubt be fuelled again by this model.

The designer is well-known for her bikinis and showcased only one burkini model, to which she added a sparkling, imaginative Italian touch. The swimsuit, in muted hues with jacquard motifs, looks like a highly contemporary Western outfit, bringing vaguely to mind an oversize sweater worn over a pair of leggings.

It is produced "in a water-proof, antibacterial stretch fabric," and for the time being it features two versions: a monochrome one and one decorated with designs "remindful of the tiles in a magnificent Arab palace," stated the fashion label.

Beyond the media hoopla, Raffaela D'Angelo intends to use her 'made in Italy' burkini to approach the Middle-Eastern market, where she will show her collection in October.

She is by no means the first designer to present an 'Islamic' look in order to gain a foothold in such a strategic market for luxury goods. Before her, Dolce & Gabbana launched the 'Abaya' and 'Hijab' collection. Uniqlo for its part displayed hijab veils in its London shop-windows, and Marks & Spencer has followed suit.

Raffaela D’Angelo shows 'made in Italy' burkini in Milan

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