The Women Of Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY, 2003: The women of the Naqshandi family relax at home on January, 2003 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A long tunic and veil in private, or an abaya (traditional long black tunic covering the body from head to toe, always worn in public), is the standard ladies' fashion to wear in the presence of close male family members (including a mahram, a male tutor, father, husband or brother) to protect themselves from the other men's glances. Only very young girls are allowed to wear a more "relaxed" outfit showing arms and head. Despite this, women love to purchase fashionable jewelry and westernized fashions, as nothing prevents them from being feminine and coquettish beneath. (Photo by Reza/Getty Images)