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day that if he lost this one, he wouldn't run for office again. • ___
What's next for stocks? Experts weigh in after the Dow closes above 15,000 for the first time
• NEW YORK (AP) -- The Dow Jones industrial average closed above 15,000 for the first time Tuesday. • An improving outlook for the economy and record corporate earnings are persuading investors to buy stocks. Federal Reserve stimulus is also helping. • The Dow has gained 15 percent this year. It has more than doubled since hitting a bottom at 6,547 on March 9, 2009 during the Great Recession. • Now that stocks have scaled these heights, what's next? Four market experts give their views. • ___
Designers add flair to traditional all-black Gulf women's garment
• DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Just a few years ago, Gulf Arab women usually only felt comfortable showing off their fashion sense at ladies-only parties or family gatherings. In public, at least in their home countries, the standard all-black abaya -- a simple floor-length covering and accompanying head scarf -- was the only culturally accepted option. • But now, a new generation of abaya designers is giving the traditional garment a twist with choices of fabric, designs and even some expensive bling to allow Gulf women a host of style options. • The basic look of the abaya remains unchanged: black with long sleeves and a flowing form that somewhat conceals the shape of the body. Gulf culture and government directives encourage "national dress" for both sexes: Men wear full-length robes that are mostly white, but include other colors such as beige and blue. • Designers, however, have increasingly recognized the demand for abayas with a bit of extra flair. It can be as subtle as embroidery on the sleeves and hems or as eye-catching as gems stitched into the fabric. Top European fashion houses such as Dior, Nina Ricci and Alberta Ferretti have already put their stamps on abayas in the wealthy Gulf market for local woman, known as khalijiyat, after the Arabic name for the Gulf. • The most expensive abaya so far has been valued at $17.7 million, created by British designer Debbie Wingham and displayed in Dubai in March. It features differ (Continued on page 40)
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