Today, we hand over My Own Sense of Fashion to Guest
Blogger Aniqa Tahsin for her latest guest post. It’s all about modest fashion’s
rise in the west and of its biggest influencers. Check it out below.
As a Muslim woman in the UK, my lifestyle has constantly been described as traditional. Western
fashion lines therefore never cater to my personal needs. Although I don’t wear
a headscarf, being able to find modest clothing on the high street was never
one of my expectations. Instead, I settled for clothing that I didn’t
necessarily feel comfortable in or
created outfits by combining many pieces. However, the gap for modesty in the
market has finally been recognized.
Social media became the most influential platform for
modest fashion supporters to express
their frustrations about the lack of diversity in Western fashion. Individuals
such as Sabina Hannan and Saima Chowdhury used their
Instagram pages to gather large followings and teach how Western clothing can
be used to create modesty.
Saima Chowdhury
Image Credit: Saima Chowdhury
Saima Chowdhury’s New
Look Fashion #MyLifeMyStyleMyLook
campaign celebrating individuality in fashion
Image Credit: New LookFashion
The 'DIY create your own outfit' movements by these Instagrammers sparked a sudden interest in the
potential the Western market had. It gave birth to the idea of modest fashion
existing in the high street without the ‘once essential’ skill of being able to
combine pieces to pull off your desired look.
The first to embrace the trend was Debenhams, with their
announcement of partnering with modest fashion brand Aab.
First founded in 2007, the modest retailer’s Western partnership represents how voices of social media stars were finally heard and acted upon within the fashion industry.
First founded in 2007, the modest retailer’s Western partnership represents how voices of social media stars were finally heard and acted upon within the fashion industry.
Speaking to an assistant at Aab, she expressed how
the rise of modest fashion in the West will be admired by both Muslim and
non-Muslim females.
“I think this would benefit not just Muslims, but all
women who like to dress more modestly and be fashionable at the same time.
Before they had to go to different shops to put one outfit together, but now
you can come straight to an Aab store in Debenhams and get a whole
outfit in one place.”
“I have a lot of non-Muslim women calling in asking
about different pieces just because they like the look of the clothing and want
to begin dressing in this way.”
However, unlike previous social and political fashion
statements, modest fashion in the West has finally broken stereotypes of Muslim
women.
Dina Tokio
Image Credit: Dina
Torkia
Dino Tokio on the cover of Blogosphere Magazine
Image Credit: Kyle Galvin for Blogosphere
Magazine
Dina Tokio, a 27-year-old Modest Icon is an extremely recognized
example of this. From her “20 Simple Hijab Styles” YouTube tutorials to her “100 layers of hijabs”
challenge, she shows how ordinary and similar the lifestyle of a Muslim is to a
non-Muslim. This recognition combined with her extraordinary sense of style for
Western modesty was earlier established in Blogosphere Magazine, where she was
celebrated for “Breaking Stereotypes”.
So not only has negative assumptions of me stopped, but I
am now able to give the high street a quick visit knowing I’d easily be able to
find an outfit specifically tailored to the needs of a Western yet modest individual
like me.
About the Author
Aniqa Tahsin is a Bangladeshi fashion and beauty blogger based in London. She loves writing
about trends, life events, and anything which I think you guys would be into,
as well as me. Aniqa also enjoy writing
for other bloggers so feel free to get in touch! Be sure to follow Aniqa on
social media (Snapchat and Instagram).
Check out Aniqa’s
social media accounts below:
Snapchat – aniqa98
Instagram - @_aniqatahsin
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Tamarah Brown for My Own Sense of Fashion © unless otherwise stated (i.e.
interviews, guest blog posts etc.). No
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