History was made at the recent New York Fashion Week. For the very first time, there was a collection in which every model walked down the catwalk wearing a hijab. The hijab is the veil traditionally worn by Muslim women, which usually covers the head and chest. It has got a bad press recently because of it being banned in various parts of the world. However, Muslim designer Anniesa Hasibuan from Indonesia wanted to show just how stylish and elegant the hijab could be and wowed the fashion world with her creations. Ms Hasibuan is just 30 years old and becomes the first Indonesian to feature a collection at a prestigious global fashion event. She received a standing ovation at the end of her show in New York.
There has been an upswing in the past few years of fashion designers incorporating Islamic fashion into their designs. The international retail clothing company H&M released an advert showing a Muslim model in a hijab, while Dolce and Gabbana released a line of hijabs aimed at wealthy Muslim customers. Not everyone is happy with the hijab entering mainstream fashion. Some say the new designs are bordering on being un-Islamic. Dr Eva Nisa, a professor of Islamic Studies, said: "The essence of Muslim dress is to wear something decent, to be modest. For women, they have to make sure what they're wearing doesn't attract the attention of men."
