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Muslim Fashion Steps into the Spotlight

muslim-fashion-steps-into-the-spotlight
Jeny Tjahyawati (right, front) and her models at the Indonesia Modest Fashion Show

Main point: Modest fashion is not an entirely a mainstream culture in the U.S. yet, the industry seems to be moving in the direction of inclusion

Source: Seattle Time

Writer: Moira Macdonald

When Muslim-American women gather, their clothing tells a varied story. Some wear robe-like gowns that flow to the floor, in plain dark colors or in elaborately sparkling hues and patterns; others might don coordinated outfits of loosefitting pants and tunics that hint at the country of their heritage; and some simply choose jeans and shirts. Many, but by no means all, cover their hair, with flowing veils or simple headscarves (known as hijab, a word which also refers to the Muslim practice of dressing modestly).

“In the U.S., you have Muslims from Indonesia, from Iran, from Pakistan, from Tunisia — different places. And they all have their own attire, their own beautiful garments,” said Saideh Jamshidi, a journalist who recently relocated to Seattle from Wisconsin. For several years, she has been working on a project called Fashionable Muslim Women (available to view at goltune.com) in which Jamshidi and others travel to different cities to photograph women, in their varied attire, at large gatherings of Muslims — with the goal of presenting Muslim women as stylish, unique individuals, with a wide range of choices.

Follow the story @ Seattle Times …