Sunday, March 30, 2014

Designer Showcase: A Fashionista Networking Event

Salaam Alaikum/Peace & Love,


I pray this reaches you all in the best of times god willing.

This past weekend I was fortunate to attend the Fashionista Networking Event hosted by Seema Sahin (Designer of Modern Mary), Farah Khan (Blogger at Greater lengths) and Hakeemah Cummings (Designer for CMB) on the 28th of March, 2014. This event was a chance to turn lemons into lemonade for our sister Fleuri Paramita, who travelled 28 hours to the U.S. from Indonesia to showcase her designs at the Islamic Modern Fashion Week event. Unfortunately, this event was abruptly cancelled at the last minute, leaving Fleuri (alongside many other vendors and designers) alone and penniless.

Alas, it didn’t deter her spirit or goals and sitting across the table from these exceptional women, truly brought to light that with hardship comes ease; the truest mercy. Although the events of IMFW left it’s own stains many of us were supremely ecstatic to come together and witness Fleuri’s wonderful designs (skirts, capes, dresses). As an aspiring designer and stylist looking to continue building your brand, it also reminded me that I must, first and foremost, be a sister to these women around me and today’s women.



It became an eye opener for us bloggers, mothers, wives, etc., as we discussed Fashion, designs and business rules, that this industry has a place for all of us as the night went on. We are the inspiration and there’s a platform for us to add something unique and special to this ever growing industry. We also had a chance to meet and converse with Ian William, a fashion designer and coordinator for Fashion shows in his own right. He explained the fashion show industry in greater detail and how to dodge fake shows by asking the right questions.

Fleuri’s explanation that her designs are a way to employ people in her country struggling to find jobs and her belief she feels a great responsibility to find an opportunity for them was the most poignant point that I took away from the entire session. As a woman who loves fashion, styling, fabrics and prints since the age of 5, I had to take a few nights to ponder on the best reasons why I want to create or be part of the creation of modest fashion. Maybe we should all take a step back and think about the reasons. The intentions behind our actions and our aspirations have tremendous repercussions.

Furthermore, we were all reminded of our duty to serve our art/hobby/love/business for fashion with responsibility and care. We have an audience and we have a responsibility to our audience to create, dress and act accordingly to our faith in Allah (GOD). In the end, this is all greater than numbers, facebook and instagram likes. This is a movement of modesty and empowerment in a crucial time where many on TV, Billboards and music strip women of their crowns.

Amazing food, conversations, designs but most of all sisterhood. If there was ever a reason to stay in the fashion industry, to support it and to fund it, it would truly be for the SISTERHOOD.
 
Thank you to the event coordinators for allowing this event to be open to everyone, may we all share space again, inside and outside of fashion soon.

With Love,
Fahima A

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

“Turbanista Rap”



Turbans have emerged over the years as one of the most creative ways to wrap (cover) your hair.  It’s considered a universal middle ground for all women who enjoy expressing themselves through fashion. They are such a statement accessory that collections like Issa, Andrew Gn, Jason Wu, and Giorgio Armani; to name a few, have introduced the turban wrap onto the runway.

Formally associated with casual attire, they now magnify outfits, and are essential for the bold fashionista. Consider this a daring route for those wanting to bring ‘flavor’ to their everyday fashion ideals.



When it comes to turbanista styles, you can relish in the contrast between a delicate floral print fabric and its robust wrap style, a simple color with a playfully intricate configuration, or take the regal approach and adorn your wrap like the queen you choose to be. The turban fulfills the elegant and ethnic must for your head wrap collection.




When looking to experience your first turban style, understand that simplicity is key until you get the hang of it.  If you’re like me and prefer the softer side of the turbanista experience, let your outfit be the bold statement complimenting a simple head wrap.




Turbans can be worn for every season in the year. Take notice as women bring their head wrap game to work, the grocery store, weddings and even red carpets. Your options are limitless when it comes to fashionable expression.

For the perfect scarf, I personally suggest browsing through your local H&M, Forever 21 or fabric store to try the fun and affordable option or peruse stores like Zara and Mango, if you’re looking for more high-end samples. For turban tutorials, check out Dina Tokio or Winnie Detwa’s YouTube page, Comment or message me and let me know how your Turban experience went!