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.irnalaperla.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!

Rabia Z S/S 2010

It's been a busy few weeks for Islamic fashion around the world, and Emirati designer Rabia Z has just released her latest collection.

There's been extensive media coverage of her shows; you can click here and forward to 11:40 to watch a clip of Rabia on Dubai One TV news. MEnn.tv also have a short interview with Rabia:

The Rabia Z Spring/Summer 2010 collection, entitled In the Spirit of Arabia, was showcased at Fashion Expo Arabia in October in Abu Dhabi, which you can read more about here. These are a few photos from the show provided especially for Hijab Style:

What do you think of the new collection? You can see more of Rabia's beautiful designs here.

Reader Special Offer

For those who missed out on the Bonus November Giveaway, you can now receive 10% off your order at Ihtijab! Just type in the code hijabstyle when you place your order at the checkout. The offer is valid throughout November :)

Hot Chocolate

There's nothing quite like a mug of hot chocolate on a cold day, and this outfit will keep you just as warm (minus the calories!). I've picked items in different shades of brown, beige and tan for a simply yet chic everyday outfit:

Hot Chocolate abaya £79.99, Aab; Sepia double cardigan £65, Great Plains; pashmina style scarf in brown £16, Losve; Emami boots £90; Loudy handbag £40, both Aldo.

Bonus Giveaway Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered the Bonus November Giveaway. There were hundreds of entries, but there can only be three winners, and they are:

Humera Y, Toronto

Saadia A, Wakefield

Shabana I, Portsmouth


Keep an eye out for lots more giveaways coming your way soon!