Source: BBC
By Saira Asher
A collection presented at New York Fashion Week is the first time every model walked the event’s runway wearing a hijab.
Muslim designer Anniesa Hasibuan’s show was also one of the first by an Indonesian at the prestigious annual event.
At a time when what Muslim women choose to wear is causing intense debate, many are calling Hasibuan’s move a historic moment in bringing the hijab into the mainstream.
The Islamic veil across Europe
Inspired by her hometown Jakarta, Hasibuan presented trousers, flowing tunic and gowns, in luxurious fabrics and detailed embroidery, all worn with hijabs.
A relative newcomer, 30-year-old Hasibuan received a standing ovation at the end of her show earlier this week.
“Behind the success of a show there is a great team that was strong and sturdy when it was hit by dissent,” she wrote on Instagram. “And we can handle it.”
Image copyrightANNIESA HASIBUAN/INSTAGRAMMelanie Elturk, chief executive of Haute Hijab – a US brand selling hijabs and modest fashion – was at the show.
“I believe fashion is one of the outlets in which we can start that cultural shift in today’s society to normalize hijab in America so as to break down stereotypes and demystify misconceptions,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Last night’s show was a huge leap forward in that direction.”
Islamic fashion is definitely having a moment and retailers are trying to cash in, whether its H&M releasing an ad showing a Muslim model in a hijab, Uniqlo partnering with a Muslim designer or Dolce and Gabbana releasing a line of hijabs and abaya’s, aimed at wealthy Muslim consumers.
Categories: America, Fashion, Hijab, The Muslim Times, USA