As Ramadhan and Hari Raya approach, the Islamic
community is once again under the annual spotlight. What used to be
unfashionable stereotypes of the female Muslims’ wardrobe have now been
substituted with stunning fashion pieces that cater especially to those who
chose to remain passionate about their faith but at the same time divulge into intricate
designs resembling mainstream non-religious based fashion. As Muslims all over
the world prepare for this auspicious month and celebrations that are sure to
follow, Convergence takes a modest glance into the many events and gatherings that are
organized by a flourishing business – the Islamic Fashion Industry.
Islamic Fashion Festival, Kuala Lumpur
Birthed by
Dato’ Raja Reza, of Kelantanese Royalty, the Islamic Fashion will be held in
November in Kuala Lumpur for the 6th consecutive year. With its
tagline, “Discovering the Beauty of Modesty”, the IFF carries with it its
vision to break myths of an archaic and ill-adapted faith by bringing together
different concepts and ideas via its multi-religious and multicultural
participants. They also strive to enliven the audience, sparking their
curiosity to learn more about Islam and at the same time offering a channel for
significant exchange in the celebration of beauty in diversity whilst building
an awareness of and an appreciation for the inherent beauty and diversity of
Islamic fashion and culture. The IFF also endeavors to inspire creative
expression and interpretation among its designers to illustrate the flexibility
as well as the practicality of dynamic Islamic fashion while being the vehicle,
voice and visualization of Islam in her true essence.
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| A creation from Indonesian designer Jenny Tjahyawati during Islamic Fashion Festival in Kuala Lumpur, November 16, 2011 |
The Bride
Show, Abu Dhabi
Following the success of
its 2012 installment, which hosted over 230 exhibitors and saw more than 15,000
visitors attending across the four days, The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will kick-off
on the 30th of January 2013 in conjunction with its 12th anniversary. The
organizer of the Sheila and Abaya Fashion Show/Bridal Exhibition in Dubai are
working tirelessly to ensure that each one of their visitors enjoys a unique
and glamorous shopping experience with thousands idea for your “big day”. The
Bride Show Abu Dhabi also provides a multitude of the latest styles and trend
in the market with everything ranging from haute couture design, evening wear,
fashion accessories, beauty products and so much more. The fashion shows will
stage an assortment of the most sophisticated, fashionable and extravagant
dresses with everything from traditional to contemporary designs from the
local, regional and international design houses. Another highlight at the show
which was introduced just earlier this year, is the upgrade for VIP Lounge
visitors who were upgraded to receive treatments which include mini massages,
beauty and style consultations with experts, light refreshments as well as
reserved VIP seating at the fashion shows.
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| Sheila & Abaya Fashion Show Dubai, 2010 |
Jakarta Fashion Week
The third day of Jakarta
Fashion Week (JFW) will start off with 2 Muslimwear segments presented by one
of Indonesia’s most prominent fashion organizations – the Association of
Indonesian Fashion Designers & Entrepreneurs (APPMI). Being recognized as
the most populous Muslim country, Indonesia’s image is recurrently associated
with this demographic and has raised many speculative assumptions. However, the
lush, vibrant colors that dominated the runway are working slowly on breaking
those stereotypes. A multibillion-dollar industry, Indonesian Muslimwear
exports their products to other Muslim countries such as Malaysia and the
United Arab Emirates. This is especially because many of the Indonesia’s
Muslimwear designers are often regarded as trendsetters by their peers due to
their out-of-the box illustration of an assumed to be conservative and
oppressed manner of dressing.
Islamic Fashion Festival Charity Gala, Monaco
The fashion festival
that was held in Monaco in 2010, however, sparked more controversy and ignited
some very angry fires so much more than it did promote the message of finding
the beauty in modesty. Organised by the afore mentioned IFF and endorsed by First
Lady of Malaysia Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the fashion show, which was graced
with the presence of Prince Albert of Monaco made headlines all over the globe.
More than that, however, the Muslim community was quick to express their
displeasure at the choice of gowns and dresses showcased on that day. All of
them claimed the collections to be too revealing and not in keeping with the
practices of Islam.
Islamic fashion is fast becoming a lucrative business with the current
market estimated to be worth more than US$96billion (RM302 billion) a year. To
meet with the most important brands of the sector leaders and to have new
business contacts and also to see the new 2012 summer collections you have to
visit Islamic Fashion Festival.
TRIVIA
•Did
you know there are over 10 different ways to wear a headscarf?
•The
Islamic Fashion Festival was created to counter Islamophobia.
•Dato’
Raja Rezza is the Peace Ambassador of the New York-based Universal Peace
Federation
•International
celebrities who have grace IFF events include Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron,
Jamie Fox, Datuk Michelle Yeoh & Datuk Jimmy Choo.
•The
IFF has showcased over 250 designers from countries all over the globe.
Written for AMG International, contract publishers of Convergence.
