Dolce & Gabbana announced a new hijab and abaya collection[1] for Muslim women earlier this month, a move hailed by many as an inclusive gesture towards Muslims at a time when xenophobia and Islamophobia are sweeping through parts of Europe and the US. But how did Muslim women themselves response to the line? To gauge the reaction, Cosmopolitan interviewed Deena Mohamed, an Egyptian artist and creator of a webcomic about battling Islamophobia and misogyny; Sam Elauf, a Muslim-American woman who sued Abercrombie & Fitch for discrimination; Arab American Association of New York executive director Linda Sarsour; fashion blogger Hassanah El-Yacou bi; and MuslimGirl.net founder Amani Alkhat.
While their reactions to the new line are generally positive, there are mixed feelings. On the one hand, all agree that the creation of more Muslim-friendly clothing is a good thing. On the other, notes Mohamed, "It says volumes that a fashion house is needed in order to 'normalize' the clothing Muslim women are wearing." What Muslim women really want, Alkhat says, is not Muslim-specific clothing but rather a greater variety of modest clothing options[2]. According to Alkhat, that wouldn't be good just for Muslim women, but for anyone who wants to dress modestly "while not sacrificing fashion."
Read the full story at Cosmopolitan.[3]
Related:
Dolce & Gabbana launches collection of hijabs and abayas[4]
Former runway model creates high-end Mormon temple dresses[5]
Modesty moves into the mainstream[6]
References
- ^ announced a new hijab and abaya collection (nytlive.nytimes.com)
- ^ greater variety of modest clothing options (nytlive.nytimes.com)
- ^ Cosmopolitan (www.cosmopolitan.com)
- ^ Dolce & Gabbana launches collection of hijabs and abayas (nytlive.nytimes.com)
- ^ Former runway model creates high-end Mormon temple dresses (nytlive.nytimes.com)
- ^ Modesty moves into the mainstream (nytlive.nytimes.com)
