Muslimah Style: Nazimah

Reader's Contribution

My name is Nazimah, and I'm a Malaysian doctor working in the UK.

My Style

When it comes to clothing, I will opt for a comfortable, easy-going, travel-light style. I am not very fussed about what I am wearing, as long as it maintains modesty, is affordable, colourful, and nice for me to look at, then it's ok. I dress for myself, hence, if I like the reflection I'm looking in the mirror, that is my style for the day. I love jeans with a tunic top or dress with a cardigan. They are comfortable, and I can run for the bus/train/plane if I need to (and mind you, this happens a lot when I'm travelling!). I also go for long skirts if I feel girly that day and the weather is not too cold and windy. I think I am a very practical person too, and so backpacks are the best when traveling, but recently I found that large handbags are extremely useful.

I love colours, and I think the 'cherry on top' with wearing hijabs is that I can match (or sometimes purposely mismatch) the colour of my dress with my headscarf, and this can bring statements to my attire for certain occasions. I feel it's an obligation for me to celebrate the colours of God's creation too! There are no rules in fashion - so I promote creativity in choosing what to wear!

I think Muslimahs should not stop themselves from doing things they love because of hijab. If you feel like travelling the world, yes you can strut the world wearing hijab. If you feel like hiking mountains, then wear your hiking shoes, smother sunblock lotion, don't forget the colourful hijab...and off you go! I do this all the time, and I can assure you it is a lot of fun!


Top Tip

When it comes to fashion, you are your own boss. So don't let other people dictate what you want to wear. We only need to answer to God, and with the creativity He blessed us with, we should use it to our satisfaction and enjoyment :)

What did you think of Nazimah'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.

Smart Style

I hope you all had a wonderful Eid, Hijab Style posts will now go back to normal!

Today's outfit set is ideal for the office, as inspired by the Ralph Lauren Fall '09 collection. I love the military style of this navy coat, which I've paired with a contrasting soft, silky shirtdress and smart tailored trousers. I'd also keep to neutral tones throughout and for a hijab, I'd go for something like this cream pashmina.

Navy military swing coat £85, Dorothy Perkins; shirt dress £49, La Redoute; premium wool wide leg trousers £40, Topshop; Kilve Double boot £69.99, Clarks; Jeans bag £35, Aldo; pearl and filigree rope £15, Dorothy Perkins.

Eid Mubarak!

Eid Mubarak to everyone! Hope you all have a lovely day, inshallah!

Update - Live Chat Session

A few days ago I announced the date of the Hijab Style's first Live Chat Session, and now here's another surprise for readers! After the session, at 9pm, Ummah Vouchers will be releasing exclusive online discounts for 3 hours only from several Islamic clothing companies including Amirah Fashions and Islamic Design House! All you need to do is register and then at the end of the chat session, log on to Ummah Vouchers at 9pm on Wednesday 2nd and claim your discounts.

Click here for further information.

Dubai Style: Burqa Shades

The LA Times blog just published an article about BQ, a new brand of shades with a chic twist on tradition. What do you think of the shades; would you wear them?


Want to observe Islamic dress code while staying trendy in Dubai and Saudi Arabia’s scorching desert heat?

Put on a pair of gold encrusted BQ shades -- the world’s first sunglasses especially tailored for piously dressed women in the Persian Gulf.

The brand's name BQ comes from the word burqa -- a face-covering harness worn by women in the Persian Gulf region in nomadic times. BQ's debut collection features modern replicas of the traditional accessory in the form of large, dark aviator-style sunglasses.

Behind the line is London-based design firm Fitch branch in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It hopes BQ will become a hit among young fashionable women in the region by mixing trends with tradition.

Read the rest here.

You can also watch this video about the making of BQ:

Hijab Style Exclusive: FARASHATi Interview

Today, Hijab Style brings you an interiew with the founder of FARASHATi, a new modest clothing brand based in the UAE which has just launched it's website. I go behind the scenes with Farhana Farooq as she talks about the label:

Jana: Tell us about the concept behind Farashati.

Farhana: Farashati is all about blending style and modesty. Customers who dress conservatively do not have to layer their clothes anymore to cover up. Our designs are in line with the latest trends and come with longer sleeves and longer length. For the Muslim woman, there is also the option of matching head scarf making it a one stop shopping experience.

Jana: How did you go into fashion design – is it something you’ve always wanted to do?

Farhana: As clichéd as it may sound, I have always been absorbed in latest styles and trends. I used to design for myself and close friends as a hobby and have always had diverse and contrasting interests. Farashati was conceptualised because of my passion for clothes as well as because I clearly saw a gap in the market for conservative chic styles. I started by involving freelance designers, but then got myself enrolled in a professional short course to take my hobby to the next level.

Jana: Where do you look for inspiration when designing Farashati garments?

Farhana: I am really fascinated by all things traditional and love to study the rich culture around the world. I started initially with an Indian designer and that’s why you will see a lot of ‘Kurti’ style tops in the website with side slits and traditional Indian hand embroidery. Personally, designs done by me have more Middle Eastern touch as I have lived most of my life in this part of the world, so the ‘kaftans’ you see are from my collection.

Currently I am also fascinated by the rich tradition of Brunei and have been reading a lot on their traditional handicrafts but it will take some time to implement as traditional weaves are expensive as well as time consuming, and am still searching for a good weaver to do a collection inspired by Brunei. For the time being, my platter is full and I am in talks with an artist who is willing to make exclusive hand painting on our upcoming designs so the inspiration is definitely going to be from the hidden treasures of traditional crafts around the world.



Jana: What have the reactions been so far to the brand in Dubai?

Farhana: I have received lukewarm responses from retailers and investors so far – mainly due to the uncertainty involved with a new business offering a ‘different’ product – strikingly diverse from what is selling elsewhere. However there has been interest generated from other Gulf countries on the possibility of capitalising on this market as they realise that we are catering to a niche, an untapped market that is being ignored.

Personally, I am happy when I see that my customers are happy. The recent Farashati Facebook fan page has given me immense confidence as more and more fans write to me describing the long suppressed need for the brand concept and their gratitude at having found this option. I had over 200 fans in the first week and have a 1000 + fans in little more than a month, so it feels great that my effort is being appreciated. I am sure the online shopping will be a great avenue for my niche group to shop confidently.

Jana: Where do you see the modest clothing industry at the moment, and where do you think it should be heading?

Farhana: Unfortunately they aren’t many companies doing modesty clothing. The only options here are the Abhaya and Jalabeya. There are a couple of online shopping websites but not any retail store that I know of that deals with modesty clothing. Relevant research figures strongly support the need for conservative fashion options. The survey revealed that over 96% UAE residents follow and practice Islam – a possible indication of the expected demand for conservative clothing. Farashati also conducted a dip-stick research on the shopping pattern among UAE residents, 30% of those surveyed answered in the affirmative about the regular use of head scarves, 54% wanted 3/4th if not full-length sleeves and 68% preferred tops that would cover their hips at the minimum – structuring the base of the Farashati brand concept.

The modesty clothing industry has a long way to go but the awareness is definitely getting around. The Islamic Fashion Festival in Malaysia has been an eye opener and it was fascinating to see such beautiful designs showcased on the ramp with loose silhouettes and head scarves in place. The future looks bright.


Jana: What are your hopes for Farashati in the future?

Farhana: As any new entrepreneur, I have big hopes and big dreams for Farashati. There is so much to do. Our final aim is for Farashati to be a one stop shop for modesty clothing that is high on quality and provides excellent customer service. Apart from customer satisfaction, I also want Farashati to provide a platform for various artists and designers to come together and bring in a taste of their native traditions.

View the collection online at Farashati.com

Jakarta Fashion Week - Day 3

These are even more photos from the collections which were shown on Day 3 of Jakarta Fashion Week on November 16th. Just follow the links provided for each designer to see the full collections:

And check out this great article here on The Jakarta Globe about one of the designers, 18-year-old Dian Pelangi.

Najua Yanti

Tuti Adib

Jeny Tjahyawati

Dian Pelangi

Hannie Hananto

Anne Rufaidah

Monika Jufry

Ida Royani

Images: Getty Images

Live Chat Session on Hijab Style

On Wednesday December 2nd, from 8pm-9pm GMT, Hijab Style will be holding a live chat session here on the blog! This will be a chance for readers to get first-hand answers to questions you might have about the blog, as well as an opportunity to talk to sisters around the world!

As the session will only last one hour, the discussion will have to be fairly focussed. The topics for discussion I've decided on are: behind the scenes at Hijab Style and the Islamic fashion industry in the UK. Other questions can be addressed if there's time at the end.

All you need to do is come to the blog homepage on Wednesday 2nd between 8pm-9pm, and sign up for Chatroll which only takes a minute, and then join in. The session will be moderated and any trouble makers will be removed. If it's a success and enough people participate we could even make this a regular feature!

See you all there!

Jakarta Fashion Week - Day 2

Here are the rest of the stunning collections which were shown on Day 2 of Jakarta Fashion Week. Including Irna Mutiara, four more designers specialising in Islamic fashion took part; just follow the links provided for each designer to see the full collections:

Iva Lativah

Merry Pramono

Yessi Riscowati

Hennie Noer

Images: Getty Images

Muslim fashion given a fresh look

The BBC have just published this article about Nadia Batool, an up-and-coming fashion designer who's developing a new range for Muslim women in the UK.

Muslim women can dress in line with both their faith and western styles according to an Essex fashion student.

Nadia Batool, from Leigh-on-Sea, has explored the subject as part of her MA degree project, 'Faith or Fashion'.

She believes the requirement to dress modestly should not deny them from being 'positive' about what they wear.

"I think the younger generation are seeking to find a middle ground so they can incorporate their Islamic values with the western values," she said.

Read the rest here.

Hijab Style Exclusive: Interview with Irna Mutiara

Yesterday I posted some of Irna Mutiara's designs here, which were on the runway at Jakarta Fashion Week. Today, Hijab Style brings you an exclusive interview with Irna about her work in the Indonesian Islamic fashion industry:

Jana: Tell us about yourself and your background.

Irna: My educational background and interests are in the world of fashion. I used to work in the garment industry with a couple of suppliers of ready-to-wear clothes.

With these experiences in mind, I started out with my own means, and designed and worked on some projects such as companies’ uniforms and individual clothing orders.

Along the way, I got the chance to get together with two of my acquaintances who shared similar interests, and we agreed to set up the Trimoda Uptodate corporation. The company focuses on Muslim clothing lines, especially casual Muslim clothing.

During the second year of our business, we have captured a niche that hasn't yet been explored - that of Muslim wedding fashion. The interesting part is that in Indonesia the cultures are so diverse. And along with an increasing awareness of wearing Muslim clothing, Muslim wedding clothes are also in demand.

Jana: What challenges have you faced along the way?

Irna: Combining cultures and the requirements of Muslim clothing is a challenge in and of itself. In Indonesia, most wedding costumes tend to have a body-tight silhouette, with heavy use of lace and brocade. In Islamic clothing, any tightness and transparency is pretty much avoided. For this reason, I try to promote Muslim wedding costumes in a different manner.

Even though the majority of Indonesians are Muslim, the separation of male and female guests in wedding receptions isn't really applied. This is in fact quite different from Middle Eastern or Arab countries, where the bridal dress, as well as the guests' dresses, can be less covered because they are in a separate room from the males.

In Indonesia, the groom and bride and all the guests are still in the same function room, which brings about the need for dresses and bridal outfits which are covered up. This is an opportunity and also a challenge for us to provide Muslim wedding gowns and party/glamorous dresses. We also see this as an emerging market with a lot of room for future growth.

Jana: What other factors do you need to take into consideration when designing bridal dresses?

Irna: In the case of the wedding costume, a personal touch is very necessary because we have to very much grasp the culture, interests, preferences, personal style and even the dream of the bride and groom. At this point, the interaction between the designer and the couple will be very intense. Grasping the clients' needs and combining them with Islamic clothing requirements and of course the design elements, will create beautiful outfits that are comfortable and memorable.

Jana: Where can your clothing line be found?

Irna: Currently our clothing is being sold under the Up2date line. We have a solid design team and our products have secured a good name and are well known in the Indonesian Muslim fashion industry.

Official Websites:

http://www.uptodatetrimoda.com/
http://www.uplinesite.com/
http://www.irnalaperle.com/ (under construction)

Jakarta Fashion Week - Irna Mutiara

Jakarta Fashion Week has just about wrapped up, and part of the show as always included Islamic fashion. Many talented designers took part, but my hands down favourite had to be Irna Mutiara's collection of wedding and evening dresses called 'Ode to Life' which she showcased on November 15th. I love the chic simplicity of the neutral shades which she added interest to with statement jewellery and unusual cuts:

And if you loved these designs, keep an eye out for an exclusive interview with Irna coming soon!

Images: Getty Images

Monasib Essay Contest

South African-based company Monasib Clothing are running an essay competition to win a hijab-friendly track suit and scarf hat. The competition is open to everyone around the world - click here for more information, but hurry as the deadline is November 29th!

Ummah Vouchers

Ummah Vouchers is the UK's 1st Muslim voucher website, with discounts and offers from various Muslim retailers and businesses. Check out the website and sign up to take advantage of offers from Amirah Fashions, Islamic Design House, Masoomah and many others!