Muslimah Style: Fadzie

Reader's Contribution


My name is Fadzwani, but my friends call me Fadzie. I've been studying and working in Dublin, Ireland for almost 6 years. Now, I'll be returning home to Malaysia for good this coming August.

My Style

I am truly ordinary person who always into fashion since I was little. However, as I grew up, I realised that being a good Muslimah is always priority to being a true fashionista. So, whenever I get dressed or even before I buy my clothes, I always keep in mind that I am a Muslim and want to keep my modesty. So, I made up my own two rules that at the very least my clothing has to be:

1. Loose
2. Long enough to cover my bum

However, I do admit sometimes those two rules aren't met in what I wear. If that happens, I definitely won't be in my best mood, I could never walk at ease.

I wouldn't say I have a particular style; I could wear something from very casual to glamorous diva. However, I always prefer to wear something simple and sweet. My favourite items of clothing have to be my cardigans. I need plenty of them to cover up my body-fitting tunics and shirts.

When it comes to accessories, I love long necklace or chains. I used to have bundles of beaded long necklaces, but now I am more into chains. I don't wear bangles a lot because I think my current Fossil watch is funky enough! My preferred colours have to be pastel or earth-based tones like black, brown, white and green.

Top Tips

Be confident what you are wearing. After all, is not about being a fashionista. What matters the most is your obedience to Allah's rules.

What did you think of Fadzie's style? If you want to be featured on Hijab Style, send in your photos and top tips to hijabstyle @ hotmail . co . uk

Readers will be able to vote for their favourite entry of the Spring/Summer edition, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.

Keffiyeh Hijab Style

Keffiyehs, or Palestinian scarves, have been around as part of mainstream fashion for quite a while now, though long after they were an essential of peace activists' rally outfits!

Here are a few ideas of how to incorporate keffiyehs into your hijab style. This first video by Egyptian hijab stylist Yassmin Mohsen shows one way of wrapping it as a headscarf. I also love the idea of wearing keffiyehs or other square neck scarves in addition to the usual hijab wrap - especially with Spanish style scarves where they provide the necessary neck and chest coverage without compromising style, just as Yassmin is wearing it herself in this video:

This video from YouTube user chinchillitac shows more ways of wrapping the keffiyeh:

Traditional Yemeni Abaya Goes Funky

This recent news report briefly covers abaya fashion in Yemen:

Glittering embroidery, blinking stones and funky colours slowly make their way on the black Yemeni abaya dress.

In recent months, the traditional abaya – also called "balto" in Yemen – has increasingly turned into a funky accessory.

In Hadda Street in the capital Sana'a, boutiques display the latest creations inspired from the Gulf.

Read the rest here.

Monochrome Maxis

An ever-classic combination, black and white makes an appearance in the form of hijab-friendly fashion. Michael Michalsky presented a printed maxi skirt and black top at Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010, whilst Carolina Herrera featured a similar ensemble for Spring 2009 with a beautifully tiered skirt. I love both looks for evening and formal occasions; just add a beaded black and white hijab:

Michael Michalsky; Carolina Herrera

Images: Reuters; Style.com

LOSVE Survey

Online modest clothing store LOSVE have a customer survey up for you to fill in - and as an incentive for completing, you get 25% off when you place an order! You can access the survey here.

Making Headway on the Runway

Spring 2009

I always find it interesting to see runway interpretations of head coverings, whether or not they are 100% suitable for hijab. In the Fall 2008 collections, D&G featured headscarves on several of their models. This season the French Riviera pervaded the collection, and models paraded in swim hats not dissimilar to the bonnet caps often worn under hijabs.

Ralph Lauren showcased turbans on several models, inspired by a North African colonial style. In addition to headcoverings, there were also maxi skirts and dress on offer, complete with long sleeved jackets.

In a similar vein, but with a more authentic feel, Paul Smith's collection for women was inspired by an exhibit of British Orientalist art at Tate Britain. I loved the striped scarves that were loosely draped over turbans - definitely something you could easily adapt for hijab!

D&G

Ralph Lauren

Paul Smith

Images: Style.com

Life is not a dress rehearsal

I came across this article in The National which discusses the differences in how much time and effort people put into their appearance. I thought it would make an interesting topic of discussion, as Muslimahs in hijab often feel that they are 'flag bearers' of their religion, and hence must always look and behave impeccably. How much do you feel this applies to you, and how important is it to you to always look well groomed? Share your thoughts...

Fatima al Shamsi
April 18. 2009

After I spent a week in London with my best friend from the Emirates, she came to visit me for a week in New York. One of the first things she pointed out while walking around my university campus with me was how casually everyone was dressed. My friend pointed out that this generation seems to have somehow lost a sense of pride in their appearance: what happened to glamorous women and dapper gentlemen?

Although it initially threw me off, I have become accustomed to the uniform of Columbia University tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirts and trainers. Although casual dress at university is common everywhere, it is much more visible in the United States. In my first year at university, I remember being absolutely amazed at people showing up for morning classes in pyjama bottoms and flip-flops. Even in the Emirates, where closed abayas come in handy for early morning classes, there is still a noticeable difference in the level of care and time that people spend on their appearance before going out and facing the world.

Read the rest here.

Royal Store Jalabiyas

Royal Store is a Syrian company that produce traditional jalabiyas. These provide great ideas if you feel like having a go at making your own. The lines are simple and you can have lots of fun with different printed fabrics and trimmings:

Style Spotlight: Colour Block

If you hadn't realised already, maxi dresses are big news this summer, and for a hijabi, are ideal all year round. This season I've noticed more than anything that dresses in solid blocks of colour are what made the runways. Try teaming with plain coloured jackets and hijabs to the keep the theme going - mix and match colours and see what you come up with! Here are some of my favourite picks from the runway, a bit like a bag of Skittles...feast your eyes:

Rainbow Brights

Etro; Martin Grant

Halston; Ossie Clark

Valentino; Derercuny

La Perla

Images: Style.com

Covered Couture: Valentino

Valentino's couture collection for Spring 2009 had many hints of Islamic style to it. First off, I love the knee length embellished coat which would look perfect over wide leg trousers or a satin skirt. Next comes a gorgeous full length brown dress, complete with flowing sleeves for an almost-abaya look. And what I loved the most were the floor-length coats over evening gowns. A little tweaking and they'd be perfect for hijab! This is a style that is quite popular in the Middle East, as shown by designers such as Awatif Al Hai - and looks like they've now inspired mainstream fashion:

Images: Style.com

New Hijab Video Tutorials

Here are some new video tutorials of criss-cross and Khaleeji hijab styles from YouTube user aberdeenchap. They're easy to do and offer great coverage! Enjoy...

Malaysia seeks to become Muslim fashion center

Monday, 06 July 2009
KUALA LUMPUR (Al Arabiya)

Malaysia is working on becoming the center of Islamic fashion in Muslim countries and all over the world under the banner of "Islamizing clothes," according to media reports.

Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, told the press that she plans on making Malaysia the center of Muslim fashion by hosting fashion shows featuring outfits inspired by Islamic art and values, Kuwait News Agency KUNA reported.

Mansor noted that the Islamic fashion shows held in Malaysia feature top designers from both the Muslim world and the West. State institutions usually organize the shows in hopes of promoting Islamic dress, known for its modesty.

"The clothes displayed are suitable for both Muslims and non-Muslims," she said.

"Most clothes are inspired by Islamic art with a touch of Malaysian art. Malaysia is amongst Muslim countries that are keen on preserving their art and heritage."

The leading lady said she hopes to change stereotype about the way Muslim women dress and prove a woman can be elegant and modest at the same time.

Read the rest here.

Muslimah Style: Sameeha

Reader's Contribution


My name is Sameeha, I am 21 years old, and currently a student from a small town called Bath.

My Style

First of all, salaams my beautiful sisters! I love that every one of your styles are unique in their own ways! It's fab - keep it up!

Secondly, I am crazy about fashion and can never get enough clothes, handbags and shoes! However, I love that fact that recently I have brought so many wonderful outfits for such amazing prices! Bargains are great - I love the summer sale!

Everyone knows me for my many hijab styles, I love trying out different styles, I love to experiment even if I end up using more than 2 or 3 hijabs!

I love to keep my style trendy and fashionable, yet covered. I don't really follow a particular type of fashion. I wear what I feel comfortable in but what I know makes me feel and look good. I wear colours that match my skin tone and will match colours so they 'go' together when I am wearing an outfit.

I love to colour co-ordinate, and match my outfits so they are similar and so that they don't clash, yet are not so similar that it looks too much! I usually wear a lot of black, white, cream and charcoal grey, but always touch it up with a great hijab! I usually buy from high street shops, but I always mix and match with items of clothing from different stores and maybe even online.

My favourite pieces of clothing are my leopard print dress and one of my many maxi dresses. My favourite print is definitely leopard print!

I always accessorise, whether it be with bangles, a necklace, shoes, a simple scarf with a pretty clip, and I always wear rings! I'll also go for a funky style of hijab, a nice handbag and even a nice head band to go over my hijab, which I have recently tried and tested and looks fab.

If you buy a nice dress on sale for a great price, why not accessorize it with an expensive pair of shoes, handbag or even jewellery? Always mix and match!

Top Tips

1. Always compliment your colours, never let them clash! Too much of the same colour makes an outfit look funny

2. Try out lots of hijab styles and find the one that most suits your style and face shape

3. Don't be afraid to try out new and wonderful colours

4. Be yourself and feel comfortable in what you wear

5. Never, ever be afraid to experiment!

What did you think of Sameeha's style? If you want to be featured on Hijab Style, send in your photos and top tips to hijabstyle @ hotmail . co . uk

Readers will be able to vote for their favourite entry of the Spring/Summer edition, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.

D.I.Y. Style: Tunics

Making your own clothing is a really valuable skill, especially for Muslimahs who find it difficult to find appropriate clothes ready made. And not only is it cost-effective, it also allows you to tailor the garments to your exact measurements to guarantee a modest, but flattering fit.

One of the easiest ways to start is to follow a ready-made template. You can find many of these in craft shops, but following the lines of a garment you already own can also work. A simple sleeveless tunic/dress is great to start with because it will usually be made up of either 2 or 3 large rectangular pieces of fabric which only need to be hemmed and sewn together.

Before the summer holidays started, my mum decided she wanted to have a go at making me a tunic to take on holiday. Below is a brief chart of her efforts:

Fabric, measuring tape and pins to get started



Close up of the pattern



We used a ready-made dress as a template; this one had two panels
of fabric at the back, one at the front, and a ruched hem

The finished product; we tried adding a small lace panel at the neckline

Close-up of the neckline

Hopefully that's inspired you to try out your own projects; if any readers have any they'd like to share, do send them in!

Covered Couture: Alexis Mabille

French designer Alexis Mabille presented these outfits as part of his Spring 2009 Couture collection. Elegant and refined, he uses velvet for evening gowns, and full-length coats over trousers. He also adds a pop of colour to these neutral outfits with contrasting shoes.

But one thing I especially noticed was the use of a layering technique that's quite popular for hijabi evening wear in several countries including Lebanon; that of wearing a plain long sleeved top underneath an evening gown. This has never been a favourite style of mine - I find it looks a bit tacky and often unflattering on most people. But do you think Alexis Mabille pulled it off in his collection?

Images: Style.com

Pour les Françaises

These are a couple of videos from French channel Oumma TV about the hijab and fashion. Although my French is a bit rusty, I was just about able to make out the jist of what the presenter was saying. So for all the Francophones, I hope you find these videos useful! And is it just me or is the model in the second video wearing this Cosy Cowl Abaya from Aab?

Designer: Beena Soni

Beenas is a luxury brand in the UAE that specialises in jalabiyahs. Popular with members of royalty, they are definitely some of the most beautiful, and well-crafted dresses I've seen. These photos are from the Abu Dhabi Bride Show in 2008:

An article about Beena from the Khaleej Times says:

“I use all kinds of silk — Indian raw silk — chiffon and georgette. My designs go well with machine and hand embroidery as well. I have a new collection with handpainting,” she informs.

In fact, Beena’s jalabiyas are distinguished by their cut for she prefers to use unconventional ones. She uses different patterns to combine traditional Arabic elements with western influences mainly in the colour and combination of material. “I always strive to create something unusual. Initially they say ‘No’ and later they say ‘Wow,’” Beena adds.

Read more here.

Check out the website to see the latest designs:

Faith helps shape fashion designer's vision

By Graeme Morton, Calgary Herald
June 14, 2009

For Calgarian Nida Makhdoom, creating beautiful clothing with a Muslim flavour is as much a spiritual calling as a budding career.

"If God gives you a passion for something, you should pursue it," says Makhdoom, 26.

"This (fashion design) is a gift that God has given me and I want to give it my all, to see where it leads me."

Makhdoom's creations will be on display at a fashion show titled Offbeat, to be held next month. Both women's and men's clothing will be on display, modelled by her friends.

The key to her design philosophy, Makhdoom says, is to respect Islam's instruction to practice modesty in dress while celebrating the dazzling colours, intricate patterns and fabrics found in the many cultures within the one-billion-member global Muslim community.

"My goal is to create clothing that's modest, but cool," says Makhdoom with a smile. "Islam has an incredibly rich tradition of art through the centuries that I can draw inspiration from. Modest doesn't have to mean drab."

Read the rest here.

Abaya Design Inspiration

A lot of the people I know who wear abayas in London get theirs tailor-made. And of course, the best thing about this is that you can design the abaya in any way you like! Spring 2009 collections have plenty of ideas that can be incorporated into abaya design, from ruffles and tiers to gold embellishment:

Diane von Furstenberg; Zac Posen

Gucci; Chado Ralph Rucci

La Perla; Monique Lhuillier

Images: Style.com

Famous Faces: Amal Soliman

Amal Soliman is an Egyptian Muslimah who became the Muslim world's first maazoonah, or female marriage registrar, in October 2008. She fought off competition from 10 other male candidates; standing out with her Master's degree in Sharia law, which none of others held. However she was met with resistance at every stage, with many claiming that the post of marriage registrar was not appropriate for females.

In an interview with Al-Jazeera she said:

"When I applied the man at the desk laughed openly at me and said that is was just not possible. He imagined I would go home and forget about it, but instead I argued and told him that I had studied Sharia Law and I know it is an administrative job."

Read the rest of the interview here.

Speaking about her position she also says:

"I will be in a better position than my male counterparts, as young women planning to get married would feel more comfortable in running a woman to woman talk and giving their direct consent to the contract," she further added. This also holds true in cases of divorce as women would find it easier to talk to a female registrar than a male."

Read more in this article from Al-Ahram here.