• MODEST CULTURE
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hanks to Muslim millennials, specifically women, this once unnoticed market is being driven forward by consumers, designers and trendsetters. Blending local, cultural styles from countries spanning Indonesia to the Middle East, Paris to New York, momentum for all things modest can be seen in e-commerce, on social media and other unorthodox channels. One of the major influencers on the rise of the modest lifestyle is, undoubtedly, instagram. Bloggers have developed substantial followings as champions of modesty which crosses everything from fashion to the increase in halal travel and tourism as well as halal food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. now, alongside your Buzzfeed entertainment listicles, you’re likely to find articles like “50 Modest Fashion Influencers to Follow” – helping to broaden the presence and conversation.
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fact magazine
For Yasmine, who loves combining fabrics, colours, prints and textures to make a bold statement, sharing the beauty of dressing modestly was one of the many reasons she decided to start @undercoverstyling on the gram. “I wanted to encourage other young women who don’t feel represented and they can be inspired by the colours, designs, and fabrics,” she says. “The use of social media has given Muslim women a voice and exposure that they never had before. We are able to communicate around the world and show people what the life of a modern, Muslim woman is really like,” Yasmine tells us. “It is the same for many communities around the world but especially for Muslim women because of the stereotypes that have been so prevalent previously. It means we can take back some control and show people a glimpse into our world.” As the western hemisphere takes note of how modest choices are, simply, a normal part of life for millions of Muslim women, it still remains a misconception in many parts of the world, that women who wear the hijab or more traditional clothing, are oppressed. “Many people in the west still lack knowledge and understanding of the history and the privilege of wearing a hijab,” says UAE-based British-Pakistani teacher Suneela Aslam. “Despite immigrants being an integral part of western life, some communities in places like America or the UK simply don’t invest enough time in learning about our differences.” Leading us to question whether the modest lifestyle is just another passing trend – one that blings cha-ching for profitmaking more so than a movement to break cultural boundaries. “I am all about breaking the stereotypes,” Yasmine says. “I wanted to create a platform that was positive and encouraging for modest women. The hijab for me is an honor and I wanted to show Muslim women that it is not limiting,” she continues. “I have travelled the world and my hijab has been a way for me to speak and deal with people and to tear down any misconceptions.”