It's a really easy and convenient way to display scarves so you won't forget you've got them, and no ironing needed! How do you hang yours?
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Scarf Storage Solutions
I did a post last year here about different ways to hang your scarves. I've been using a different method for a while now though. This 3 tier over door towel rack from Argos I've found is really useful. Although it's meant to hang in your bathroom, I've hooked mine over my bedroom door. I hang three scarves on each tier, so nine in total; these being the ones that I'm using most at the moment. The rest I store on these trouser hangers in my wardrobe.
It's a really easy and convenient way to display scarves so you won't forget you've got them, and no ironing needed! How do you hang yours?
It's a really easy and convenient way to display scarves so you won't forget you've got them, and no ironing needed! How do you hang yours?
Monday, 26 July 2010
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Bonus July Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Aliya N. from Atlanta, USA for winning the Bonus July Giveaway! Your scarf will be making its way to you shortly!
Keep an eye out for the next giveaway coming up in August!
Keep an eye out for the next giveaway coming up in August!
Friday, 23 July 2010
Covered Couture: Chanel
Spring 2010
Luxury, elegance and drama; of couse it had to be Chanel couture. I adore these satin gowns with metallic stripes which add a modern edge. There's even bridal gown complete with long sleeves and an endless veil. Though the groom in a golden tin-foil suit killed the overall effect, so we won't show him:
Luxury, elegance and drama; of couse it had to be Chanel couture. I adore these satin gowns with metallic stripes which add a modern edge. There's even bridal gown complete with long sleeves and an endless veil. Though the groom in a golden tin-foil suit killed the overall effect, so we won't show him:
Thursday, 22 July 2010
I wish I was still at School
The Guardian's interest in Muslim fashion continues in an article published yesterday.
I was recently contacted by a girl who was preparing a portfolio about British Muslim fashion. This was part of a project whereby girls from different Islamic schools in London took part in fashion workshops, and then had to create a portfolio in order to enter a competition and win a place at a 3-day course at the London School of Fashion! You can read more about it below. If you were one of the girls on the course, tell us more about it!
I was recently contacted by a girl who was preparing a portfolio about British Muslim fashion. This was part of a project whereby girls from different Islamic schools in London took part in fashion workshops, and then had to create a portfolio in order to enter a competition and win a place at a 3-day course at the London School of Fashion! You can read more about it below. If you were one of the girls on the course, tell us more about it!
Muslim schoolgirls show that faith and fashion are not incompatible
Sarfraz Manzoor
Wednesday 21 July 2010
In a first floor classroom in the Hackney campus of the London School of Fashion a small group of young schoolgirls are wrapping clothes on to tailor's dummies.
They are using conventional clothes in unconventional ways – turning ties into belts and baggy T-shirts into neckwear. The idea is to challenge traditional notions of normality in fashion.
The approach is a common one for aspiring designers but it feels especially appropriate for the 20 assembled schoolgirls, all of whom are British and Muslim and all of whom are in traditional Islamic dress.
Read the rest here.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Hijab Style Exclusive: Modiste Interview
Today Hijab Style brings you a quick interview with Katrin Meyer, founder of the Moroccan-based hijab company Modiste.
Jana: Tell us a little about yourself?
Katrin: Salaam alaikum! I’m a revert to Islam, German, living and working at the gateway between East and West. Upon completing my studies of Islam in 2001 I worked long-time as assistant of an Arab ambassador in Berlin. From this exposed position I witnessed over the last decade the increasingly negative image of Islam in the West, marked by associations such as aggressiveness, oppression of women and backwardness.
This discrepancy between Islam’s timeless beauty and truth and its contrary outside perception has since been my great concern because it has far-reaching consequences: It prevents Muslims living in Western societies from an equitable participation in the social and political life.
Jana: What’s the idea and ethos behind Modiste?
Katrin: The negative image of Islam doesn’t have anything to do with its essence. Rather with some of its outer forms of appearance and wrong conclusions of those who don’t know better. In order to rectify this distorted picture, it’s certainly not the message that has to be changed, but rather the way of communicating it. Fashion is unique in the sense that it is a subtle medium of communication with an immediate effect.
Modiste hijabs are designed to reflect the universality of a divine religion. Islam by its very nature is vital and progressive and not necessarily Oriental. The misconceptions about Islam - oppression of women, lack of innovation - are actually a reflection of the current state of Oriental social structures. Our major goal is to empower Muslim sisters through a style of clothing that is less charged with connotations.
At the same time we want to simplify hijabi life style. All our hijabs are simply pulled over the head, no need to wrap, pin or knot. Maybe it is because of my European background, but I’ve never got used to the traditional headscarf. It might look good if you’re skillful, but it’s not practical. We would like to offer an alternative to those, who feel the same.
Jana: How have your products been received in Morocco?
Katrin: During start-up phase in 2009 we received a lot of interest and support, but consumers were a bit reticent at first due to the new look and the comparably high prices. Meanwhile many Moroccan women have embraced our style and appreciate the high aesthetic standards and practicability.
The same applies to our main target group- hijabis living in Western societies: Our style and concept enjoy a growing popularity. It is, in fact, very satisfying to see a theoretical concept unfold and work out in practice.
Jana: What can we look forward to from Modiste in the future?
Katrin: First of all we’ll maintain a lively exchange with our customers and resellers to further elaborate our current hijab collection. In addition, we have plans to launch a new hijab model every four months inshallah. We’re a very creative team and have lots of new sketches in the drawer.
We’re also right in the middle of producing our first collection of smart-casual ladies wear to be rolled out in September of 2010 inshallah. All our designs are in line with the Islamic dress code and our label’s philosophy. Be in for a surprise!
Monday, 19 July 2010
Hijab and the Media
I don't know how MMW does it, but contributor Diana just posted a very timely article entitled 'Coverage of “Fashionable” Muslim Women Cramps Our Style' which you can read here.
Diana discusses the recent media of coverage of hijab bloggers and designers, including Hijab Style. This was my comment in reply to her post:
"Thanks for writing this. As a hijab blogger and one of those mentioned in the BBC article you linked to and many others; dealing with the media can be a bit frustrating. Somehow our words are always distorted (and sometimes simply even made up) to fit the sensationalist agenda of the article. But I guess that happens with most things Muslim-woman related anyway.
One of the main problems I think is that even though there is all this media coverage, underneath it all is still the assumption that an all-encompassing black robe is "authentic Islamic dress" whereas we 'modern stylish hijabis' are somehow promoting a fake, watered down version in the name of 'integration' and 'fitting in'. Hence why niqabs, burkas, etc. are still seen as threats of 'Islamism' and in need of banning.
The same can be said of certain Muslim magazines and websites which irresponsibly also add to this supposed dichotomy between the pious, abaya-and-niqab wearing Muslimah and her less religiously inclined tunic-and-jeans couterpart. It's sickening yet constantly certain members of the Muslim community will brandish any Muslimah who doesn't dress in their 'uniform' as being ignorant of 'true' Islamic teachings regards dress, of being materialistic, and only caring about the 'dunya', etc. When Muslims themselves are spreading these ideas, is it then really any surprise that the media is too?
The idea a lot of us are trying to get across is simple; that hijab and Islamic dress are timeless and are not restricted to one culture or one prescribed style.
The only hijab article I ever felt 100% comfortable with was the one I wrote for the Guardian myself; and that's probably why. No sensationalism, no lazy journalists with cheap headlines.
On the blog I also make an effort to stay away from both the politics of hijab and self-righteous preaching; at the end of day we already get enough from outside the community and within it.
P.s. I really cannot stand the word 'hijabistas'...who calls themselves that anyway?"
I'd love to hear from you too; what do you think about the way the media discusses Muslim women's clothing?
Diana discusses the recent media of coverage of hijab bloggers and designers, including Hijab Style. This was my comment in reply to her post:
"Thanks for writing this. As a hijab blogger and one of those mentioned in the BBC article you linked to and many others; dealing with the media can be a bit frustrating. Somehow our words are always distorted (and sometimes simply even made up) to fit the sensationalist agenda of the article. But I guess that happens with most things Muslim-woman related anyway.
One of the main problems I think is that even though there is all this media coverage, underneath it all is still the assumption that an all-encompassing black robe is "authentic Islamic dress" whereas we 'modern stylish hijabis' are somehow promoting a fake, watered down version in the name of 'integration' and 'fitting in'. Hence why niqabs, burkas, etc. are still seen as threats of 'Islamism' and in need of banning.
The same can be said of certain Muslim magazines and websites which irresponsibly also add to this supposed dichotomy between the pious, abaya-and-niqab wearing Muslimah and her less religiously inclined tunic-and-jeans couterpart. It's sickening yet constantly certain members of the Muslim community will brandish any Muslimah who doesn't dress in their 'uniform' as being ignorant of 'true' Islamic teachings regards dress, of being materialistic, and only caring about the 'dunya', etc. When Muslims themselves are spreading these ideas, is it then really any surprise that the media is too?
The idea a lot of us are trying to get across is simple; that hijab and Islamic dress are timeless and are not restricted to one culture or one prescribed style.
The only hijab article I ever felt 100% comfortable with was the one I wrote for the Guardian myself; and that's probably why. No sensationalism, no lazy journalists with cheap headlines.
On the blog I also make an effort to stay away from both the politics of hijab and self-righteous preaching; at the end of day we already get enough from outside the community and within it.
P.s. I really cannot stand the word 'hijabistas'...who calls themselves that anyway?"
I'd love to hear from you too; what do you think about the way the media discusses Muslim women's clothing?
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Maxi Style: Summer Weddings
I received a reader request about an outfit to wear to a summer wedding. Depending on the time, venue and dress code, different outfits are called for, but you can always rely on a maxi dress to be appropriate! I've gone for a daytime, outdoor wedding outfit here; a printed dress with a light cardigan in pastel shades is a pretty option. Layer in a corsage headband with your scarf for an added touch. If you're on the shorter side, try a cropped cardigan to lengthen your silhouette:
Lucknow long dress £45, Leila London; Blush hanky hem waterfall cardigan £23, Dorothy Perkins; Safa hijab £15.99, Aab; Corsage flower headband £5, Miss Selfridge; Desper clutch bag £14.98, Aldo; Asta shoes £55, Monsoon.
Hint: You can get 20% off your order at Leila London for one week, when you enter the code MIDJULYFUN at the checkout!
Hint: You can get 20% off your order at Leila London for one week, when you enter the code MIDJULYFUN at the checkout!
Friday, 16 July 2010
Style Inspiration: H&M Pre-Fall
The maxi skirt is to Autumn what the maxi dress is to summer. The Pre-Fall Style Guide from H&M includes ideas to look forward to, and features a sleek black maxi skirt styled with a red striped top and ankle boots. Parisian chic is a look we love, especially when it's hijab-friendly (click to enlarge):
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Bonus July Giveaway
Following the exclusive interview, Hijab Style has teamed up with Haya to give you the chance to win a Tate Modern Chiffon headscarf!
To be in with a chance of winning, you must do two things:
1. Visit the Haya Facebook page and sign up to their mailing list.
AND
2. E-mail in your full name and city with 'Bonus July Giveaway' in the subject line to hijabstyle@hotmail.co.uk. Please note that if any of this information is missing, you will not be entered into the competition.
Extra Entries:
You can get an extra entry into the giveaway when you follow Hijab Style on Twitter! Simply send in a separate e-mail with your full name and link to your Twitter profile. The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Wednesday 21st July 2010.
The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail. Don't forget to tell all your friends and family too - the giveaway is open to entrants from all countries!
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Style Inspiration: L'Officiel China
This editorial appeared in the July 2010 issue of L'Officiel China. It's always interesting to see how different headcoverings, and not necessarily hijab, are portrayed in mainstream magazines. I love the bright patterns of these turbans and the Grace Kelly-style shades:
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Islamic Fashion Festival 2010
Yes, a little late I know, but there has been little mainstream photographic coverage of the latest IFF. This time it took place in Jakarta on the 29th-30th June 2010. You can read more about the event in these articles from the Jakarta Globe and Malay Mail Online. And if you're on Facebook, check out this album from top Indonesian photographer Arselan Ganin for lots more pictures.
Iva Latifah; Ida Royani
Images: Reuters
Zainal
Iva Latifah; Ida Royani
Images: Reuters
Monday, 12 July 2010
High Street Hijab Finds
I've noticed scarves become more widely available in shops in recent years, and this season is no exception. Here are some of my favourite picks for this summer:
Top left to bottom right:
Linen scarf £19, Kew; Gradient ribbon scarf £15, East; Floral fringed scarf £14, Promod; Silk ombre silver stole £22, Accessorize.
Top left to bottom right:
Linen scarf £19, Kew; Gradient ribbon scarf £15, East; Floral fringed scarf £14, Promod; Silk ombre silver stole £22, Accessorize.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Readers' Special Offer
Lady Muslima is offering Hijab Style readers a FREE lace bandana with every purchase of $50 or more, when you enter the code HIJABSTYLE in the "special note" column during checkout. Offer is valid until August 15th 2010!
Friday, 9 July 2010
Hijab Style Exclusive: Haya Interview
If you've been following Hijab Style on Twitter, you'll have been the first to know about a new UK hijab company called Haya which has launched on Facebook! Today, Hijab Style brings you an exclusive interview with the CEO, Shirin Kachchi.
Jana: Do you make any of the hijabs yourself?
Shirin: A few scarves are my own designs which I get tailored; the majority are carefully selected products. My current designs consist of pure fabrics such as 100% silk-chiffons and jersey with contrasting or complementing lace. It’s the colours, material and beautiful lace which give them the edge! Alhumdulillah, the collection has almost sold out and I hope to continue to dabble with design in the future!
Jana: Can you tell us more about your charity initiatives?
Shirin: I wanted to blend my passion for scarves with raising awareness for humanitarian causes so I am beginning my journey by supporting a local charity. As a launch campaign, all the profits from the current collection will be donated to Restless Beings for their Uighur Women’s Rights Campaign in Krygyzstan. My goal is to constantly support charities and campaigns in some way or form, InshAllah Haya can make a small contribution to the lives that need it!
Jana: What else can we expect from Haya?
Shirin: I have big aspirations for Haya, I’m focusing on a few areas I’d like to develop in the future. After the current campaign, I will inshAllah be revealing my new product range, watch this space!
What do you think of Haya? Don't forget to join their Facebook page to view the full collection and details of how to order. And what's more, Haya will be sponsoring the Bonus July Giveaway in a few days time too!
Jana: Tell us a little about yourself?
Shirin: I’m lucky to call several countries/regions home - the Middle East, Canada and the UK! Home for me is where my family is residing, which is why the Middle East is the first on the list. I lived in Canada for eight years and it’s a special place for me – I went to high school and university there, have friends, family and beautiful memories. I moved to the UK after getting married and have added London to my ever-growing list of places to call home!
I enjoy keeping an eye out for fashion trends and experimenting with colour, textures and different ways of wearing the hijab. My personal scarf collection has officially taken over my shoe collection and it will no doubt, continue to grow with Haya!
Jana: How did you come to start Haya?
Shirin: When I first started wearing the hijab last year, I struggled to find scarves that were in-line with the fashion today and made of good quality fabric. I bought most of my initial stock of scarves from my travels and that’s when the idea formed! Why not provide women access to scarves from all over the globe? In short, I created Haya to provide contemporary hijabs sourced from several countries for the fashion savvy muslim woman. The overall aim is to inspire hijabistas to express their individuality through Haya scarves!
Shirin: I’m lucky to call several countries/regions home - the Middle East, Canada and the UK! Home for me is where my family is residing, which is why the Middle East is the first on the list. I lived in Canada for eight years and it’s a special place for me – I went to high school and university there, have friends, family and beautiful memories. I moved to the UK after getting married and have added London to my ever-growing list of places to call home!
I enjoy keeping an eye out for fashion trends and experimenting with colour, textures and different ways of wearing the hijab. My personal scarf collection has officially taken over my shoe collection and it will no doubt, continue to grow with Haya!
Jana: How did you come to start Haya?
Shirin: When I first started wearing the hijab last year, I struggled to find scarves that were in-line with the fashion today and made of good quality fabric. I bought most of my initial stock of scarves from my travels and that’s when the idea formed! Why not provide women access to scarves from all over the globe? In short, I created Haya to provide contemporary hijabs sourced from several countries for the fashion savvy muslim woman. The overall aim is to inspire hijabistas to express their individuality through Haya scarves!
Jana: Do you make any of the hijabs yourself?
Shirin: A few scarves are my own designs which I get tailored; the majority are carefully selected products. My current designs consist of pure fabrics such as 100% silk-chiffons and jersey with contrasting or complementing lace. It’s the colours, material and beautiful lace which give them the edge! Alhumdulillah, the collection has almost sold out and I hope to continue to dabble with design in the future!
Jana: Can you tell us more about your charity initiatives?
Shirin: I wanted to blend my passion for scarves with raising awareness for humanitarian causes so I am beginning my journey by supporting a local charity. As a launch campaign, all the profits from the current collection will be donated to Restless Beings for their Uighur Women’s Rights Campaign in Krygyzstan. My goal is to constantly support charities and campaigns in some way or form, InshAllah Haya can make a small contribution to the lives that need it!
Jana: What else can we expect from Haya?
Shirin: I have big aspirations for Haya, I’m focusing on a few areas I’d like to develop in the future. After the current campaign, I will inshAllah be revealing my new product range, watch this space!
What do you think of Haya? Don't forget to join their Facebook page to view the full collection and details of how to order. And what's more, Haya will be sponsoring the Bonus July Giveaway in a few days time too!
July Giveaway Winners
Congratulations to Yani S. from Toronto, Canada; Nuratulahi O from Georgia, USA and Fathima N from Kandy, Sri Lanka for winning the July Giveaway! Your Izir headscarves with be making their way to you shortly!
Keep an eye out for the second July giveaway coming soon!
Keep an eye out for the second July giveaway coming soon!
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Amal Murad and Arwa'a Abaya
Amal Murad is a talented abaya designer from the UAE, whose work is frequently on the runways at Dubai Fashion Week (see her website for photos). Below is a recent interview of hers, and unfortunately it's in Arabic, but you can forward to 5:15 to see some video footage of her runway shows:
Amal has also recently been involved in judging an abaya design competition called Arwa'a Abaya on MBC. You can watch the episodes on the persilabayaworld YouTube channel; this is part 1 of the finale, what did you think of the designs?
Amal has also recently been involved in judging an abaya design competition called Arwa'a Abaya on MBC. You can watch the episodes on the persilabayaworld YouTube channel; this is part 1 of the finale, what did you think of the designs?
Monday, 5 July 2010
Style Crush: Dian Pelangi
Dian Pelangi is a young Indonesian fashion designer whose style I really love. You can see some of her designs here, and read more about her in this great article from the Jakarta Globe.
Dian has kindly given me permission to post some of her pictures, and I had a hard time choosing! This girl works colour in such a stylish way; and it may come as no surprise; 'Pelangi' translates to 'rainbow'.
I also love one of the ways she styles her hijab, as per the pictures below and the centre image in the collage. It's difficult to find square hijab styles, but try this out: after folding a square scarf into a triangle, and placing on the head, take one end and pin to your undercap just by the ear, leaving the other end free to drape over your shoulder. Simple and elegant - love it!
Friday, 2 July 2010
Rabia Z: Orders now being taken
If you love Emirati designer Rabia Z, you'll be very excited to hear that you can now get your hands on your very own pieces from her collection! This is the first time that customers are able to order online; there are a few limited items available for Summer & Eid Pre-Orders on her Facebook fanpage here!
Images: Rabia Z
Images: Rabia Z
Thursday, 1 July 2010
July Giveaway
Noor d’Izar is a new Belgian company founded by Fatima Rafiy and Inge Rombouts who joined forces to create a contemporary image for the modern Muslimah.
And for the first giveaway this month, Hijab Style has three Izir headscarves in sage, courtesy of Noor d'Izar up for grabs! The headscarf consists of a slip on piece with two seperate silk scarves which can be adjusted.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is visit the Noor d'Izar website, and find out the answer to the following question:
"In which year was Noor d'Izar founded?"
To enter, e-mail in your answer, full name and city with 'July Giveaway' in the subject line to hijabstyle@hotmail.co.uk. Please note that if any of this information is missing, you will not be entered into the competition.
Extra Entries:
You can get an extra entry into the giveaway when you follow Hijab Style on Twitter! Simply send in a separate e-mail with your full name and link to your Twitter profile. The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Wednesday 7th July 2010.
The three winners will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail. Don't forget to tell all your friends and family too - the giveaway is open to entrants from all countries!
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