LOSVE Survey

Online modest clothing store LOSVE have a customer survey up for you to fill in - and as an incentive for completing, you get 25% off when you place an order! You can access the survey here.

Making Headway on the Runway

Spring 2009

I always find it interesting to see runway interpretations of head coverings, whether or not they are 100% suitable for hijab. In the Fall 2008 collections, D&G featured headscarves on several of their models. This season the French Riviera pervaded the collection, and models paraded in swim hats not dissimilar to the bonnet caps often worn under hijabs.

Ralph Lauren showcased turbans on several models, inspired by a North African colonial style. In addition to headcoverings, there were also maxi skirts and dress on offer, complete with long sleeved jackets.

In a similar vein, but with a more authentic feel, Paul Smith's collection for women was inspired by an exhibit of British Orientalist art at Tate Britain. I loved the striped scarves that were loosely draped over turbans - definitely something you could easily adapt for hijab!

D&G

Ralph Lauren

Paul Smith

Images: Style.com

Life is not a dress rehearsal

I came across this article in The National which discusses the differences in how much time and effort people put into their appearance. I thought it would make an interesting topic of discussion, as Muslimahs in hijab often feel that they are 'flag bearers' of their religion, and hence must always look and behave impeccably. How much do you feel this applies to you, and how important is it to you to always look well groomed? Share your thoughts...

Fatima al Shamsi
April 18. 2009

After I spent a week in London with my best friend from the Emirates, she came to visit me for a week in New York. One of the first things she pointed out while walking around my university campus with me was how casually everyone was dressed. My friend pointed out that this generation seems to have somehow lost a sense of pride in their appearance: what happened to glamorous women and dapper gentlemen?

Although it initially threw me off, I have become accustomed to the uniform of Columbia University tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirts and trainers. Although casual dress at university is common everywhere, it is much more visible in the United States. In my first year at university, I remember being absolutely amazed at people showing up for morning classes in pyjama bottoms and flip-flops. Even in the Emirates, where closed abayas come in handy for early morning classes, there is still a noticeable difference in the level of care and time that people spend on their appearance before going out and facing the world.

Read the rest here.

Royal Store Jalabiyas

Royal Store is a Syrian company that produce traditional jalabiyas. These provide great ideas if you feel like having a go at making your own. The lines are simple and you can have lots of fun with different printed fabrics and trimmings:

Style Spotlight: Colour Block

If you hadn't realised already, maxi dresses are big news this summer, and for a hijabi, are ideal all year round. This season I've noticed more than anything that dresses in solid blocks of colour are what made the runways. Try teaming with plain coloured jackets and hijabs to the keep the theme going - mix and match colours and see what you come up with! Here are some of my favourite picks from the runway, a bit like a bag of Skittles...feast your eyes:

Rainbow Brights

Etro; Martin Grant

Halston; Ossie Clark

Valentino; Derercuny

La Perla

Images: Style.com

Covered Couture: Valentino

Valentino's couture collection for Spring 2009 had many hints of Islamic style to it. First off, I love the knee length embellished coat which would look perfect over wide leg trousers or a satin skirt. Next comes a gorgeous full length brown dress, complete with flowing sleeves for an almost-abaya look. And what I loved the most were the floor-length coats over evening gowns. A little tweaking and they'd be perfect for hijab! This is a style that is quite popular in the Middle East, as shown by designers such as Awatif Al Hai - and looks like they've now inspired mainstream fashion:

Images: Style.com

New Hijab Video Tutorials

Here are some new video tutorials of criss-cross and Khaleeji hijab styles from YouTube user aberdeenchap. They're easy to do and offer great coverage! Enjoy...

Malaysia seeks to become Muslim fashion center

Monday, 06 July 2009
KUALA LUMPUR (Al Arabiya)

Malaysia is working on becoming the center of Islamic fashion in Muslim countries and all over the world under the banner of "Islamizing clothes," according to media reports.

Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, told the press that she plans on making Malaysia the center of Muslim fashion by hosting fashion shows featuring outfits inspired by Islamic art and values, Kuwait News Agency KUNA reported.

Mansor noted that the Islamic fashion shows held in Malaysia feature top designers from both the Muslim world and the West. State institutions usually organize the shows in hopes of promoting Islamic dress, known for its modesty.

"The clothes displayed are suitable for both Muslims and non-Muslims," she said.

"Most clothes are inspired by Islamic art with a touch of Malaysian art. Malaysia is amongst Muslim countries that are keen on preserving their art and heritage."

The leading lady said she hopes to change stereotype about the way Muslim women dress and prove a woman can be elegant and modest at the same time.

Read the rest here.

Muslimah Style: Sameeha

Reader's Contribution


My name is Sameeha, I am 21 years old, and currently a student from a small town called Bath.

My Style

First of all, salaams my beautiful sisters! I love that every one of your styles are unique in their own ways! It's fab - keep it up!

Secondly, I am crazy about fashion and can never get enough clothes, handbags and shoes! However, I love that fact that recently I have brought so many wonderful outfits for such amazing prices! Bargains are great - I love the summer sale!

Everyone knows me for my many hijab styles, I love trying out different styles, I love to experiment even if I end up using more than 2 or 3 hijabs!

I love to keep my style trendy and fashionable, yet covered. I don't really follow a particular type of fashion. I wear what I feel comfortable in but what I know makes me feel and look good. I wear colours that match my skin tone and will match colours so they 'go' together when I am wearing an outfit.

I love to colour co-ordinate, and match my outfits so they are similar and so that they don't clash, yet are not so similar that it looks too much! I usually wear a lot of black, white, cream and charcoal grey, but always touch it up with a great hijab! I usually buy from high street shops, but I always mix and match with items of clothing from different stores and maybe even online.

My favourite pieces of clothing are my leopard print dress and one of my many maxi dresses. My favourite print is definitely leopard print!

I always accessorise, whether it be with bangles, a necklace, shoes, a simple scarf with a pretty clip, and I always wear rings! I'll also go for a funky style of hijab, a nice handbag and even a nice head band to go over my hijab, which I have recently tried and tested and looks fab.

If you buy a nice dress on sale for a great price, why not accessorize it with an expensive pair of shoes, handbag or even jewellery? Always mix and match!

Top Tips

1. Always compliment your colours, never let them clash! Too much of the same colour makes an outfit look funny

2. Try out lots of hijab styles and find the one that most suits your style and face shape

3. Don't be afraid to try out new and wonderful colours

4. Be yourself and feel comfortable in what you wear

5. Never, ever be afraid to experiment!

What did you think of Sameeha'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 of the Spring/Summer edition, and the winner will receive a FREE hijab of their choice from The Hijab Shop.