Is Islamic fashion catching on?

Roshan Isaacs

Roshan Isaacs

Published Apr 29, 2016

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Durban - SM spoke to Roshan Isaacs, head of the South African chapter of the global Islamic Fashion and Design Council.

 

Do you think that Muslim women or men might feel as if their culture is being commodified or misappropriated?

This question requires more of a conversation. There will be those who disagree and feel that mainstream is commercialising Islamic wear as they realise how big this market is, and still growing, especially when there is a huge market in the East.

And then there are those who find it welcoming as we shop at retail and designer stores and wish for more modest attire to be made accessible.

 

 

The dos and don’ts?

How people wear a garment is totally up to them. Muslims would wear it in accordance with their beliefs, while non-Muslims would wear it as it appeals to their style or the way they wish to communicate themselves that day. In South Africa we have many similarities in dress.

The Kaftan and Abaya is similar in that it does not accentuate the shape of the woman. The Kaftan is worn across cultures like Islamic, Indian, Jewish and African cultures and religions. Then there’s the turban and scarf styled in many different ways from faith to faith.

From a style aspect: layering creates beautiful drapes and shapes the garment itself, playing with colours to compliment or contrast and of course the hijab itself can be styled in a number of ways for a chic covered look.

 

What are your overall thoughts on this fascination and the incorporation of Islamic wear in the west?

It’s about time. The west has always seen Islamic dress as restrictive or oppressive. We’ve been highly influenced by the celeb, western and European way of dressing. Growth in the modest-wear sector is driven by the youth. We are a colourful nation, we need to embrace culture, and this may be the first step toward tolerance. In South Africa we have been heavily influenced by European dress, when in fact we are rich in culture.

Sunday Tribune

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