Modest fashion is a trend that has been gaining traction over the years, and it's not just for Muslim women. Women of all religions and cultures are embracing the idea of dressing modestly while staying stylish. But, for Muslim women, it's more than just a fashion statement; it's about adhering to their religious beliefs and upholding their values of modesty. Many Muslim women face challenges regarding hijab and modest fashion, but there are also many inspiring women making waves in this industry and beyond.
In this article, we will be highlighting some of these inspiring women, their journeys, and how they are breaking down barriers and changing the perception of modest fashion.
Hoda Katebi
Hoda Katebi is an Iranian-American fashion blogger and activist who started her blog, JooJoo Azad, in 2013. She uses her platform to challenge Western beauty standards and stereotypes about Muslims, particularly Iranian women. In 2018, she launched her own clothing brand, Blue Tin Production, which focuses on ethical, sustainable, and modest fashion. Hoda believes that fashion can be a tool for social and political change, and she uses her brand and blog to promote her message.
Halima Aden
Halima Aden is a Somali-American model who has made history in the fashion industry. In 2016, she became the first Miss Minnesota USA contestant to wear a hijab and a burkini in the competition. Since then, she has been breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in the fashion industry. In 2017, she became the first hijab-wearing model to be signed by IMG Models, one of the largest modeling agencies in the world. Halima has walked the runway for major fashion brands, including Kanye West's Yeezy, and has appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines. She is using her platform to promote diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Mariah Idrissi
Mariah Idrissi is a British-Pakistani model, blogger, and activist who made history as the first hijab-wearing model to be featured in a major fashion campaign for H&M. Mariah has been using her platform to promote modest fashion and to challenge stereotypes about Muslim women. She believes that modest fashion should be more widely accepted in the mainstream fashion industry and that it can be just as fashionable and stylish as any other type of fashion.
Manal Rostom
Manal Rostom is an Egyptian athlete, adventurer, and fitness influencer who is inspiring Muslim women around the world to embrace fitness and exercise while wearing a hijab. She has been breaking down stereotypes and shattering barriers by showcasing that modesty and fitness can go hand in hand.
In 2015, Manal started the "Surviving Hijab" campaign to encourage Muslim women to engage in sports and fitness activities without worrying about cultural and social stigmas. The campaign received overwhelming support and recognition, leading to Manal becoming a Nike ambassador and featuring in their "What Will They Say About You?" campaign in 2017.
Asma Elbadawi
Asma Elbadawi is a British-Sudanese basketball player, coach, and activist. She made headlines for her successful campaign to overturn the ban on hijabs in professional basketball imposed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). In 2014, Asma was prevented from playing in a basketball game in FIBA’s "Hijab Ban". This prompted her to start a petition to end the ban, which gathered over 135,000 signatures. As a result of her efforts, FIBA lifted the ban on headgear in basketball in May 2017.
Asma is not only an advocate for Muslim women in sports but also a passionate supporter of social justice and equality. She is involved in several community initiatives and has been recognized for her work by organizations such as the BBC and the Huffington Post. She uses her platform as an athlete and activist to raise awareness and inspire change on issues related to gender, race, and religion. Asma's story is an inspiration for anyone who believes in the power of perseverance and activism to bring about positive change.
Conclusion:
These are just a few examples of the many inspiring women who are making waves in modest fashion and beyond. They are breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. They are using their platforms to promote important messages, including social and political activism, body positivity, and religious tolerance. These women serve as role models for young Muslim women and inspire us all to be confident and proud of our identities. Modest fashion is more than just a trend