@Halal Nov/Dec 2019 | Page 28

28 @glam.Halal | november-december. 2019 Fashion Muslim designer makes history with all-hijab collection Anniesa Hasibuan has made fashion history presenting the first all-hijab collection at New York Fashion Week E very single model sent down the catwalk by Indonesian designer Anniesa Hasibuan wore a hijab. The bold move – especially in light of the burqa and burkini bans in Europe – was met with a standing ovation. One of the most important shows of New York Fashion Week belongs to Anniesa Hasibuan, who has made history by sending every single one of her models down the runway in hijabs. The stunning spring/summer 2017 col- lection saw models draped in a patchwork of silks, bejewelled accessories and intricate lace. The show was a perfect example of how the East and West can work together, with lifestyle website Muslim Girl stating: “The Indonesian designer brought together the perfect elements of her cultural home country and the metropolitan western fashion world to create a beautiful harmony Anniesa Hasibuan’s rise to stardom during her collection showcase at New York Fashion Week. of fashion and modesty, because, yes — they don’t have to clash.” Anniesa Hasibuan sent 48 different looks down the runway, including 10 evening gowns and 38 were ready-to-wear pieces. Impressively, her show also entered the history books twice – for the being the first all- hijab catwalk show at New York Fashion Week and with Hasibuan being the first Indonesian designer to be featured at the fashion week. he first all-hijab catwalk show to showcase at the prestigious New York Fashion Week is a huge leap in breaking down barriers and eradicating stereotypes. The designer who has previously held shows in London and Paris, told CNN: “I am so proud and thankful for everyone on the team who helped me so this event could happen, and I am so thankful to international and local media from Indonesia for exposing my show. I did not realise the result can be this amazing, and I am thrilled and humbled by the welcome reaction given.” The Nike Victory swimwear made waves during its recent launch. Nike’s latest Victory swimsuit collection is a win for modest fashion O ver the past few years, we have seen modest-wear break into mainstream fashion trends. There are now more options for hijabi women, and even designer brands have gotten into the modest-wear trend. However, this hasn’t been the case for muslim women athletes. Back in 2017, Nike launched the Pro Hijab, becoming the first major athletic brand to do so. This step sparked conversation glob- ally on the inclusivity and representation in sports and sportswear. For a long time, hijabi athletes did not have the professional and adequate sporting gear, but that has started to change. Continuing to help level the playing field, the athleisure brand announced the launch of their Victory Full-Coverage Swimsuit. The two-piece tunic-and-leggings suit is the perfect fit for every hijabi swimmer and Olympian who is looking to compete in the highest level. Not only that, but the collection also includes a three-piece modest swimwear set for everyday athletes. At this point, Nike has commented their place as a brand for every woman, regardless of religion or background. Despite being labeled as a ‘modest’ swimwear collection, the Victory line is not only targeted towards Muslim women, but also others who are look- ing to protect their skin while swimming or competing as the suit is SPF+40 – protection is key! Amsterdam gets first modest fashion week The capital city of the Netherlands will get its first modest fashion week this month. The organiser, Think Fashion, will open the three- day Amsterdam Modest Fashion Week December 14 at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. “We’ve chosen Amsterdam with a reason; to us this city represents new cool and new hope,” Think Fashion co-founder Franka Soeria said in a state- ment recently. This will be the sixth modest fashion week organised by Franka and co-founder Ozlem Sahin, who kicked it all off in Istanbul in May 2016 before setting up the runways in London (April 2017), Dubai (December 2017), Jakarta (July 2018) and back again in Dubai (March 2019). “[Amsterdam] is a diverse, multicultural and a tolerant place,” said Franka, adding that the city also has a big customer base for modest fashion. 6 per cent, equivalent to around 1.02 million, of the Netherlands’ 17 million population are Muslims. Amsterdam Modest Fashion Week will mount seven shows, featuring around 30 designers, Franka told. “We have good buyers registered to come to the event and to add up we have also been contacting so many buyers, from boutique retailers, department stores to e-commerce. Hopefully the result is good,” said Franka. The organisers are expecting most to arrive from Europe. Think Fashion will continue its “Fashion for Good, Fashion For All” movement it started in Jakarta last year. “Modest Fashion Weeks includes and empowers fragile communities, such as economically unprivi- leged women, as well as tailors with disabilities and refugees,” the company said. Think Fashion is organising Amsterdam Modest Fashion Week with event partner Clash of Brands, previously known as Hazanah and Nesci, two popu- lar modest fashion retailers in the Netherlands. Designers expected to show both on and off the runways include Mizalle (Turkey), Raidha’s Maldives (Maldives), Studio Maqam (Netherlands), Yand Brand (Russia), Veilkini (Jordan), Adlina Anis (Singapore), Lina Sukijo (Indonesia), Hijabi (Ger- many), Norhyss & Hossna (France), and Ummiriaz International (Malaysia).