Hijabi Influencers Redefining Modest Fashion at NYFW 2019
Image Courtesy: Muslim Girl
Fashion has always been about how you style and wear the clothes you own rather than the clothes themselves. When it comes to fashion in the Islamic world there are many negative perceptions especially from those in the Western world. There is a misperception when it comes to what Muslim women wear and how they style their modest attire. The media has wrongfully portrayed modesty and shown it as a form of oppression. Often when people think of Muslim women's fashion, they think of Burkhas or Veils. Women who are not versed in modest clothing often view Muslim women wear as oppressive or not attractive, but modesty is what you make it.
Why is it when Billie Ellish announced her reasons for dressing more modestly because she wanted to be seen for her music rather than her body it was taken as a positive message? This brings in a bigger issue of how modesty is viewed more positively when it is portrayed by a bigger public figure. Muslim women cover their bodies for the same reason and have done so in such a way that changed the way modest fashion is viewed. Modest fashion is not about oppressiveness it is about revealing more style than skin. It is about Muslim women expressing their love for their religion and connection to their faith without sacrificing their unique way of styling their clothing.
This past week at NYFW many Muslim women floored the crowds with their modest yet stylish looks. Modest fashion has been on the rise and these influencers took their style to the next level at NYFW redefining the look of a Muslim woman.
Maria Ali
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Maria has been making a statement in fashion for quite a while now and has been an inspiration for so many young Muslim women in the fashion world. Muslim women are often underrepresented in the fashion world especially those who wear the headscarf. Through her involvement in the various campaigns such as H & M and Macys, she has been able to represent Muslim women shedding light on what modesty looks like in her eyes.
Close to the end of NWFW Mari looked ethereal in an Ellery dress which was paired with a silver Paco Rabanne iconic 1969 Mini Bag. She enhanced the look with two silver chains and some strappy white heels.
Marwa Atik
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Marwa is the designer and co-founder of Vela Scarves. Vela is a company that allows for Mulsim women to be fashionable along with keeping to the standards of modesty in Islam. Allowing young women to express their love for fashion and properly practice their religious connection to the headscarf, Marwa has created a brand which has redefined the hijab. Marwa has consistently made bold statements with the way she pairs her outfits along with showing Muslim women stylish ways to wear their hijab (headscarf).
At NYWF Marwa wore a Yan Yan dress designed in Hong Kong which she paired with a deep blue Vela Scarf and a baby blue Jacquemus Le Chiquito bag.
Noor
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Noor is a fashion blogger and never disappoints when it comes to pairing together an outfit that is edgy yet feminine at the same time. Not only does she express herself through her bold and vibrant outfits she is the host of the Arab-American Psyco podcast. Through her podcast, she emphasizes her experiences and brings to light many issues such as the view of the hijab in fashion. Her bold attitude shines through this podcast along with the way she styles her outfits.
She wore a body con Staud plaid dress which she paired with a brown Staud Moon Leather Top-handle bag, white boots, and Mejuri jewelry.
Strike Out,
Writer: Saadiyah Qureshi
Editor: Gillian Mckendree and Savannah Tindall
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