Modesty's Majesty

It is the repetitive yet iconic look: a Muslim woman wrapping a Louis Vuitton scarf into a hijab. This look has made me realize how limited the luxury fashion world can be for Muslim women. Back home in Jordan, women who preferred to dress more modestly for religious reasons expressed their fashion sense through their hijabs. It was a collection of scarves from Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Burberry, and other high-fashion brands that fulfilled their fashionable desires.

When we think of modesty, we think of the limitations the word implies. Modesty is a broad term that has existed throughout time in history and culture. Over time, it became harder to segregate the word “modesty” from “faith”. However, with the rise of female fashion entrepreneurs who began to promote modest lines of clothing, modesty in turn became linked to elegance, sophistication, and empowerment. This movement is evidenced by Dolce and Gabbana’s Hijab and Abaya lines, Nike’s pro-hijab campaign, and Net-a- Porter’s The Modest—a section for skirts below the knee and long-sleeved shirts. In addition, the attention received by Somalian model Halima Aden, the first ever practicing Muslim model, exemplifies the link between culture and fashion.

As a Muslim, I was always encouraged to dress more conservatively. Yet, for me, it was always a choice. I always had the option to choose how to dress, but I also had to respect the aspects of my faith that influenced these decisions. I incorporate aspects of my faith into my style. As a Muslim, I wear my religion on my sleeve. Islam has always been a major part of my life: it is present in my language, my morals, my personality, and even how I like to take my cup of tea (it’s not tea if there isn’t rose water in it). I deeply identify with where I come from. However, growing up was a challenge. Looking through the endless glossy pages of the iconic magazine Vogue, or whenever I went window-shopping, I felt out of place. Even though on occasion I would let my hair down, show a bit of skin, or wear skirts that were above my knees, I did not feel relevant within the fashion industry. I was torn between feeling included in the marvellous world of fashion, while also adhering to the moral principles of the Muslim faith. The successful combination of both seemed like wishful thinking.

Photography by Lucy Welsh

I grew up loving the fashion industry because of all the bits and pieces found in my house. My Mother and Father have an amazing collection, including everything from Dior coats to Versace furniture. Elegance is very valued by my family. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel bored. My style was repetitive. I couldn’t experiment with what I was wearing because my options were so limited. I also couldn’t relate to anyone in the fashion industry because of the respect I have for my religious customs. In other words, I believed there was only one approach to looking stylish, and I did not fit in.

When we think of the word hijab, we think of the headscarf a woman wears for Islamic purposes. There are negative and controversial depictions of the hijab in media these days, and people fail to see that there is a beautiful purpose behind the hijab and what it signifies to a Muslim woman: the peaceful and respectful values of Islam. Every woman with a hijab has a story of how she came to terms with this decision. The word hijab is Arabic for “barrier,” not garment. In my case, I wear a different type of hijab that doesn’t necessarily fit the Western definition of the word. I do not cover my hair and skin, but rather, the hijab I wear is a non-physical notion that keeps me grounded to my religion; it is a “barrier” that I feel protects me.

For me, there is nothing more sexy and powerful than taking control of your body and deciding who and what a person can or cannot see. That is the power of modesty that is usually overshadowed.

The fashion world is ever-changing, and many Muslim fashion entrepreneurs and fashion bloggers have finally felt like they have made their mark in the industry. It is lovely to see that traditional modest garments can be styled and be portrayed as chic, whether this includes a headscarf or not. It is revolutionary to see that modesty is not limited to veiling, but is actually an evolving fashion trend on its own. This is not only a breaking point for controversial views on Islam, but also goes to show how fashion is a major way of outward personal expression.

By Hareer Al-Qaragolie