Elenany: The Friday Collection

For those of you who were at Smoky not Smudgy on Sunday 25th, you'd have been the first to see the new collection from Elenany. But if you missed out, the good news is that it's now available to buy online! The range now includes menswear, bespoke options and also comes in UK sizes 8-24. Hijab Style asked Sarah Elenany a few questions to find out more:


Jana: How has customer feedback influenced the new collection?

Sarah: It’s been blogs like yours, buying customers, and general comments which have informed me which direction to take the brand. First and foremost I have looked at what customers have been buying and why they like them, and have maintained these product elements in the new collection.

I’ve also looked at who my customers are – they have been older than I expected and hence I have tried to make the clothing more sophisticated to cater to the tastes of an older audience. Whereas before, the label was “urban street” it’s now more “urban chic”!

Lastly, in trying to create a better product, I have also made this collection available in UK sizes 8 to 24. This, combined with the option of having bespoke elements will hopefully inform me further to what the customer wants.….I am still learning and the brand is still developing so it’s only from feedback that I can understand what I need to do to make a better product.

Jana: What was the inspiration behind 'The Friday Collection'?

Sarah: Elenany produces clothing which can be worn forever, not for just for a specific “season” or 6 months like the fashion industry tells you. So I will be naming future collections on the themes of the graphics rather than the seasons such as “Autumn/Winter ‘09”.

The graphics for “The Friday Collection” are all inspired by the things Muslims do on Friday. For example, the “Brotherhood” print shows lots of people praying next to each other. The “Minaret” print depicts the actual thing used to call people to prayer, and the “Salaam” print to show what people do after prayer. Or before….and all the time!

Jana: You've now branched into menswear, did you find that more challenging compared to designing clothing for women?

Sarah: It actually felt very natural doing the menswear. I think being the little tomboy that I am, my personal style is naturally a bit more masculine anyway! I really hope the guys will like it and hopefully for the next collection I can produce more clothes once I’ve found out from them what they want me to produce!

Jana: Anything else we can look forward to in the new future from Elenany?

Sarah: I think for now I want to concentrate on perfecting the womenswear and menswear. Once I have achieved that I have big plans!

Click here to watch Elenany's promotional video too!

Dubai Fashion Week: Day 3

Tuesday 27th was the 3rd day of Dubai Fashion Week, and 2 designers in particular caught my attention with stunning jalabiyas and abayas.

Designer Beena Soni, who I blogged about back in July showcased her luxurious range of jalabiyas with modern silhouettes and stunning attention to detail:

Abaya designer Homa Qamar also showcased her stylish collection which played on different cuts and carefully applied embellishments:

Images: Ahlanlive.com

Dubai Fashion Week: Day 2

Day 2 of DFW saw sisters Reem and Hind Beljafla present abayas from their label DAS Collection. I love the creative cuts and combinations of different fabrics within the body of the abaya itself. Any favourites?

Images: Ahlanlive.com

Aab A/W 2009

Aab have recently released their latest Autumn/Winter '09 collection of abayas for everyday, work and occasion wear. This season, soft greys and browns are the mainstay, with velvet and tweed fabrics featuring throughout, as well as a special Hajj and Umrah range:

Dubai Fashion Week: Day 1

The Spring/Summer 2010 edition of Dubai Fashon Week is taking place October 24th-29th. These are some photos from Day 1, where DFW favourite Mariam Al-Mazro showcased her latest collection from her label 'Mimi Fashion Designs'. You can check out her previous collections here and here.

Images: Ahlanlive.com

Cultural Breast Cancer Awareness : Pink Hijab Day

Islam Online interviews Hend El-buri, founder of Pink Hijab Day:

Spreading a communal awareness to fight the breast cancer, a group of Muslim women came up with the idea of Pink Hijab Day (PHD). "Pink Hijab Day is intended to shatter stereotypes of Muslim women, as well as raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. All over the world, Muslims participated by wearing pink hijabs, pink ribbons, and donating to breast cancer foundations," this is mission of the campaign as stated on its official website.

Art & Culture editor reaches Hend El-buri, the founder of Pink Hijab Day, and interviews her about the aim of this move that goes global.

A & C Editor: Tell us more about this global day. Why did you choose the Hijab as a symbol? And why pink in particular?

El-buri: I created Pink Hijab Day a few years ago as a way for Muslim women to initiate dialogue with non-Muslims who might see a group of women in pink hijabs and be encouraged to ask questions about Muslims as social activists, about the hijab, or about Islam in general. To me, Muslim women wear their faith on their head. In the West, this is something that already gets a lot of attention and stares.

Read the rest here.

Hijab Style in emel Magazine

I keep forgetting to post this, but Hijab Style was featured in the October issue of emel! It was part of a larger feature about Muslim bloggers, including Ethar El-Katatney and Indigo Jo. Click on the image to enlarge and the read the interview:

Thailand's design schools to promote Islamic fashion

Anasuya Sanyal
15 October 2009

BANGKOK: The Thai government wants to encourage clothing manufacturers to produce high fashion looks in accordance with Islamic rules.

Islamic fashion may seem like a contradiction in terms. But chic modern cuts and super saturated colours on this Bangkok runway prove otherwise.

The Thai government partnered with three local design schools to challenge fashion students to sketch their best. Thosaphon Wongdee, Fashion Student at Srinakarinwirot University, said: "Traditional (Islamic) dress cannot be tight or reveal the body, so it's challenging to create a traditional look that's also trendy."

Designers were going for a bold fresh look while not departing too drastically from convention.

Read the rest here.

Style Notes: Hermès

Fall 2009

Again, I apologise for not posting these last few days - things have been really hectic! But now here's some style inspiration courtesy of Hermès Fall 2009 RTW.

I love the forties vibe going through this collection - from the fur-trimmed jackets to the leather coats and skirts. Not only that, there were plenty of hijab-friendly ideas too. For instance winter coats over satin maxi dresses are retro yet beautifully timeless. Throw in some aviation headgear to cover up hair and you have some interesting runway takes on modest fashion:

Leather

Maxi Dresses

Headwear

Images: Style.com

Smoky not Smudgy

Firstly, apologies for the lack of regular posting these past few days; I've been a lot busier than usual and getting ready for something exciting!

On Sunday 25th October, Imperial College London will be hosting a Charity Week event called Smoky Not Smudgy. This is a ladies' only pampering and beauty event in aid of Islamic Relief, and in it's second year running promises to be a fantastic day inshallah. And what's more I'll be giving a hijab styling workshop on the day! It's my first time doing something like this, so any feedback about what things you'd like to see would be much appreciated. I look forward to seeing lots of you there! Please join the SNS Facebook group for more information.

We have a Winner!

Congratulations to Radeyah Shaikh from Toronto, Canada, for her tip which you voted to win the October Giveaway! The tip was:

"Try new things, take risks and never give up. Looking good doesn't mean taking hours to get ready, as long as you're happy and comfortable, you're good to go. I always dress in a comfy way, you never know when your life might make you start running. My style is to dress in way that will always keep you ready, to expect the unexpected."

Keep an eye out for lots more giveaways coming soon!

Voting Time

It's time to vote for your favourite style tips for the October Giveaway! Below are the 5 finalists' entries. You can vote for your favourite in the box at the top right hand corner of this page. The winner will be announced on Wednesday 14th October!

1. Try new things, take risks and never give up. Looking good doesn't mean taking hours to get ready, as long as you're happy and comfortable, you're good to go. I always dress in a comfy way, you never know when your life might make you start running. My style is to dress in way that will always keep you ready, to expect the unexpected.


2. Fashion doesn't have to be expensive; look for style wherever you go! Get inspired by top designers and then search in less expensive places. You can find pieces to make your outfit look modern and but also rare and unique by shopping at thrift stores, trading with friends, or going through an old closet. Some of the best items I have found are from here. You can still look great, plus save the extra money and donate to someone who can't afford to be as style-savvy.


3. Layering is a way of life for most hijabis, and can look very funky. It's also a great way of staying warm through the extended British winter. The basic tip I'd offer is avoid bulkiness by keeping the thinnest layers closest to your body, and the thicker layers on the outside. So you could comfortably wear a long-sleeved t-shirt (thin) under a sleeveless long cardigan (thick), but might avoid wearing a long-sleeved jumper (thick) under a flowing sleeveless dress (thin). If a t-shirt under a silk dress looks lumpy, switch the under-layer for an over-layer instead, e.g a long-sleeved bolero cardigan in keeping with the thin-next-to-skin rule. The same rule also applies when layering different scarves to add texture and interest to your hijab.


4. Buying the perfect pair of jeans is always a challenge. So when you finally go to your favourite store, find one at the price you could afford and they fit you like your favourite hijab...don't just buy one pair, buy two!

Wearing heels with a pair of jeans always dresses up an outfit..whether its casual Fridays at work or a night out with your favourite Muslimahs! But the whole outfit could be a fashion disaster if your jeans are too short. Remember sisters: when wearing heels, your pants should fall below the heels. Flats are all the rage these past few seasons...and Alhumdulillah too, because I love the comfort, but not the style of rolling up jeans when I wear them.

Therefore have your jeans hemmed to avoid looking like you shrunk a few inches from your last Girls Night Out. Therefore, buying two pairs of your dream jeans and having them hemmed to wear with heels and flats is the best style tip ever!


5. Collect photos that you find either on the computer or from magazines, etc. (Hijab style is a great blog for this). When you see something you like or you think someone looks good, save the image and then come back to it later when you are looking for new inspiration or you want to experiment with different looks. In other words, copy and then add your personal touch. This is a great way to discover your personal style.

Cheap & Chic

Right now, I just can't get enough of chic, lady-like outfits! If you need more outfit ideas for work, try dressing up a simple black skirt with this striped cardigan from Topshop; the gold buttons are a lovely touch and make it look surprisingly classy. Acessorise with pearls and patent shoes and bag to finish off this elegant look:

Stripe gold button cardi £25, Topshop; Charred Kohl hijab £24.99, Aab; black skirt £45, Mango; white pearl necklace £11.25, Treasure Box; black patent 'Gemma' tote bag £55, Debenhams; Carvela Avon black courts £85, Kurt Geiger; antique pearl bracelet £12, Accessorize.

P.S. Don't forget to submit your entry into the October Giveaway - deadline is midnight tonight!

Easy Hijab Style Tutorial

Here's a new hijab tutorial from gwhijabi's YouTube channel. I like this one as it's simple and easy to do, provides good coverage and is great for everyday wear. Will you be trying it out?

P.S. Don't forget to submit your entry into the October Giveaway - deadline is this Sunday!

Pink Hijab Day

This year, Pink Hijab Day will be taking place on Wednesday October 28th.

According to the website, "Pink Hijab Day is intended to shatter stereotypes of Muslim women, as well as raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. All over the world, Muslims participated by wearing pink hijabs, pink ribbons, and donating to breast cancer foundations."

Check out my post here from last year for more information and ideas for fundraising. Have you got any events planned for the day?

LOSVE New Collection

Modest clothing company LOSVE have just launched their new Autumn/Winter '09 collection! Featuring plenty of tunic shirts and smart skirts, they've also introduced pretty pashmina scarves in addition to their square Turkish eşarps. Here are some of my favourite picks:

Muslimah Style: Alwina

Reader's Contribution

My name is Alwina, I'm 24 years old, and I'm a graphic designer from India.

My Style

I don't follow any one designer or any particular style strictly; I go with my mood. One day I'm in a full black skirt and top, and the very next day you will see me in a pink flowy dress. But the single thing I am very particular about is that I want my clothing to be unique, stylish and fully covered. Be it a long tunic with jeans, or a skirt - skirts and denims are my favourites. I love to accessorise a lot with chunky bracelets and huge rings.

I shop almost everywhere, from streets to top designer showrooms; my wardrobe is full of clothes.

For style inspiration I often refer to Bollywood and Lakme Fashion week or other such shows by my favourite designers including Tarun Tahilani, Anamika Khanna, Anita Dongre and Sabyasachi. I mix and match from these collections and then convert it to a hijabi version!

I have previously worked with designer Arjun Khanna for prints, as I am a graphic designer. The newest and latest, unexplored color combinations attract me a lot. But the basic mantra of my life is to experiment!

For my wedding outfit, I wanted it to be completely white during the nikah, but for the walima party I preferred a totally different look - very dramatic in all red.

The red dress (top right) was from a showroom, but when I bought the dress the sleeves and blouse were both short, so I chopped the duppatta to make the sleeves and blouse a little longer, which also gave the dress a unique contrast look. I also dyed the stole and headscarf to go with the dress.

I love modesty in my clothing, so whenever I feel my dress is a little tight or the top is short, I throw a stole over my shoulders to make my dress look more modest and stylish.

Top Tips

Wear anything and be confident. Always be sure of yourself; if you are at ease with yourself, everyone will love your style.

What did you think of Alwina'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, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.

The First Egyptian Hijab Contest

By Amr Emam
IOL Correspondent, Cairo- Egypt

Signaling its keenness to keep up with the needs of a growing number of veiled women, Egypt will organize its first hijab (headscarf) contest soon.

The contest, which will usher in a heated competition among headscarf designers in Egypt, is expected to open up a new world of headscarf styles for Egypt‘s veiled women who have been on the increase over the last few years.

"This is an important contest as it will bring together headscarf designers who will contribute innovative ideas that might revolutionize the shape of the headscarf altogether," said Yasmin Mohsen, one of the panelists in the competition.

"New headscarf models can even induce more women to put on a veil, which is very useful," she added in an interview with IslamOnline.net.

The organizers of the competition say they want to give the chance to style conscious Egyptians to show how they fuse the wearing of headscarves with their vibrant colors, designs, and combinations into their experiences of the urban Egyptian city life.

Read the rest here.

October Giveaway

This month, Hijab Style is giving away this gorgeous Alveera Embroidered Tunic with matching hijab, courtesy of Designers Club.

To win this tunic, I'm asking readers to email in their top style tip - it can be anything from easy ways to customise clothing, to tricks for pulling off the ideal party outfit. Be creative - you can only submit one tip!

To enter, e-mail in your style tip, full name and city with 'October Giveaway' in the subject line to hijabstyle@hotmail.co.uk

The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Sunday 11th October. The finalists will then be chosen and have their tips posted here so that readers can vote for their favourite! The winner will have the tunic shipped to them directly. Don't forget to tell all your friends and family too - the giveaway is open to entrants from all countries!

The first Islamic fashion fair in Istanbul

This article from the Hürriyet Daily News discusses the Islamic Fashion Fair - wouldn't you love to go?

Friday, October 2, 2009
Vercihan Ziflioğlu

Istanbul hosts its first Islamic Fashion Fair. The fair, which opened its doors Thursday and will continue until Oct. 4, features prominent Turkish brands that appeal most to secular society.

Wearing a veil has been one of the hottest topics on Turkey’s agenda over the past year, especially between the secular and the religious. And with the conservative Justice and Development Party, or AKP, ruling the state, the arguments have escalated.

The first Turkish Islamic Clothes, Fashion and Accessories Fair, which opened its doors at Istanbul Expo Center on Oct. 1, seems that it will bring the topic to the agenda again. The fair gathers veil producers, retail dealers, wholesalers and foreign Islamic clothes importers.

During this fair, the trends of Islamic fashion for 2010 will be displayed. The participating firms and fashion designers have the chance to promote their new pieces at stands and through fashion shows. There will also be a competition, allowing designers and firms to participate with creations for 2010, such as scarves, veils and coats.

Read the rest here.

TE'A Project on Hijab

This video from The TE'A Project aims to "get under the veil to dispel stereotypes associated with women who cover and their choice to wear the hijab". What are your thoughts?

Style Spotlight: Workwear

Fall 2009

Ever since I started hospital firms, I've been taking more of an interest in smart, professional outfits. This Autumn skirt suits are key, and made an appearance in plenty of designer's collections, bringing out the feminine side of tailoring. Although few consisted of full-length skirts, you can still shop around yourself to put together a hijab-friendly version. Don't be afraid to try layering a short-sleeved jacket over a long sleeved top a la DKNY too:

DKNY; Dolce & Gabbana; Oscar de La Renta

Ralph Lauren

Consistently one of my favourite designers, Ralph Lauren demonstrates beautifully how to mix different fabrics together to give a really classy look; I love the combination of tweed suiting, soft pastel knits and luxe satins in neutral and pastel tones.

Translate this into hijabi style by layering a fine knitted cardigan over a satin shirt and pairing with a smart tweed or herringbone maxi skirt.

Ralph Lauren

Providing another breath of fresh air, grey is the new black when it comes to dressing smart. These looks below restrict black to an accent colour in shoes and accessories, and combine textured grey trousers with longer length jackets which are becoming more easily available on the high street; keep an eye out for my top finds coming soon!

Jil Sander; Pringle; Roland Mouret

Images: Style.com