By On Thursday, CNN Style published this article about a group of hijabi fashion bloggers based in Stockholm, Sweden. The article documents how these young bloggers combine their modesty with their fashion sense. Photographer Elin Berge named her photo series “Hijabistas” which is a portmanteau of “hijab” and “fashionista.”
The bloggers who were featured include Imane Asry (@fashionwithfaith) and Mariam Moufid (@hijabmuslim).
Asry showcases a Scandanavian minimalist aesthetic while maintaining modesty for her 123,000 Instagram followers. On her bio, she calls herself “The Modest Minimalist” and has the most pleasing feed of posts! She even has a YouTube channel featuring lookbooks, hijab tutorials, and more.
“They really combine their faith and culture with Muslim values in a very organic way, which feels important to show these days where the image of Islam is very dark and people are very afraid of Muslims.”
Moufid runs two Instagram accounts which are both fashion-based, but her other account (@mariammoufid) is personal and has 133,000 followers. Her @hijabmuslim account has 646,000 followers and features reposts of fashion and traveling pictures.
It is like an inspiration board, but on Instragram! Moufid’s personal style includes simple pieces that are easy to find. Whether it is a leather jacket or a maxi dress, she still looks put together.
As Berge was exploring the subject of fashion and faith, she complimented with, “They really combine their faith and culture with Muslim values in a very organic way, which feels important to show these days where the image of Islam is very dark and people are very afraid of Muslims.”
She was inspired by Mariah Idrissi’s appearance in an H&M ad which led her to take on this photography project.
“It was interesting to see how ordinary girls became fashion icons on Instagram while Western fashion ignored this group, […] They seemed to dare more and to wear (the hijab) differently and mix it with fashion. They were expressive and they were not afraid to take up a lot of space.”
This movement of ‘hijabistas’ is gaining a positive reception from not only the fashion fans in the Muslim community, but also non-Muslims like Berge who see this as a golden opportunity to inspire others while serving fresh looks.
The photographer also took the time to understand the issues Muslim women face and saw it as more than just a fashion issue.
“In the public debate, it was other people who were thinking and talking about this and I saw that the girls themselves… their voices weren’t really heard […] If their voices were heard it was like, ‘Aren’t you oppressed?'”
Not only do Muslim women get hate comments from narrow-minded Islamophobes, but also from our own brothers and sisters in Islam. The Haram Police want to try so hard to become the Fashion Police.
Merging fashion with modesty has encouraged Muslim women to feel fashionable while wearing the hijab. Fashion is everywhere. It is on the streets, in magazines, on social media and much more.
It is difficult to go to a store and find a long shirt or a loose pair of pants. Thank God for Muslim fashion bloggers who understand the struggle and are sharing their #OOTDs (Outfit of the Day) and lookbooks — whether that is through a blogging website or a social media app.
This movement of “hijabistas” is gaining a positive reception from not only the fashion fans in the Muslim community, but also non-Muslims like Berge who see this as a golden opportunity to inspire others while serving fresh looks.
I appreciate the attention all the muslim “fashionistas” are getting in the media but I think we have to use attention responsibly to set the best possible example for younger Muslim girls wearing hijab. Sometimes, certain fashion choices can cross the boundaries of modesty. Our intention when getting dressed should first be on maintaining our modesty and fashion second. Sakeenahbegum.com