Muslimah Model

Just yesterday, I had my first taste of what's it like to be a model at a studio photo shoot. My husband,  photographer-in-the-making and his group of colleagues from his photography course had rented out a studio in Shah Alam for their photo assignments. It was at the spur of the moment that my hubby asked me to model for him. He hadn't anyone else in mind and he desperately needed to complete his assignment. So I got together a few outfits in a rush that morning. We headed straight to the studio with our 4 year old son in tow and spent a whole day (and a little more) there.

For me, it was an eye opening experience. My husband chose the Muslimah concept. His colleagues didn't. I don't blame them. The western influence is so deep rooted when it comes to fashion and model shoots. From the dressing to the poses, all were based on what the west did. Why do I say it as if it's a bad thing? Well because these influence causes us to forget the Islamic principles. Which to me is rather sad.

A photograph can speak a thousand words. It can influence, evoke emotions and create impact. If that's the case, then photographers play a certain role in shaping our society's thinking and way of life. A photograph in a way is like a campaign, telling onlookers that yes they should be like this and not like that. The person being photographed, the model is indeed a role model. These models that we feature in fashion magazines, they are being emulated. People admire the pictures and want to be like them (or not want to be like them?).

If more and more muslim photographers took interest in photographing muslimah models in their proper attire and decent poses, then perhaps our younger generations will have a better role model to look up to and try to be like them.

I applaud local muslimah magazines like 'Nur' who try their best at capturing the essence of a muslimah (although at times they do have a few models who are 'dis-overly' dressed). At least they try. Their feature articles cover the issue of 'aurat', at  the same time they try to get across the message that you can be a muslimah, covered and all yet still look confident and feel and be beautiful.

In 'Nur's' latest issue (November 2010), they're looking for a new generation of muslimah models. I am so tempted to send in an application. I feel the need to get a message across on the 'being of a muslimah'. What better way then to be in the industry itself. To create influence, to inspire others, to show them that yes, this is how we muslimahs should dress. Now all I'm waiting for is for my hubby to edit and print out the best full length and close up shots before my application can be sent. I hope the windows of opportunity are open wide enough for me to slip in. Till then, I'll just keep on writing and hopefully be able to inspire through words..

The Bride and Groom

Looking dashing and exquisite in white

Muslimah Bridal Gallery

My younger brother got married recently to his college sweetheart. He had his wedding reception at a grand hall located in Precinct Diplomatic, Putrajaya. It was a beautiful wedding attended by close friends and relatives.

What was even more beautiful were the bride and groom themselves, both dressed in stunning white. A collection taken from Puteris, a Muslimah Bridal Gallery found in Precinct 8, Putrajaya.

So why are they labeled muslimah bridal? Because all the wedding dresses and gowns available there are lovingly made to conceal the bride while still appearing ravishingly gorgeous. All Puteris' dresses are long sleeved and non-see through. And the fact they have a great management team to run the boutique is a huge plus. Ofcourse the friendly treatment we received from one of the owner in this family business, Puteri Salwa, truly made our preparation for the wedding a smooth one. We graciously thank her (and the team) for that!

Weddings are a sacred occasion, where two soul mates unite and rejoice in the celebration with their loved ones. It is during occasions such as these that we need the blessings of the Al-Mighty. It is He who brought them together and made this happen. Therefore for the bride and groom to show their gratitude, it is important they hold the wedding in adherence to Islam. Being dressed the proper way is among it.

For those of you aspiring to open a wedding boutique, I say go for the muslimah wedding bridal market. We'll all thank you for it! Syukran:)

I Love Muslimah Fashion!

I have always loved dressing up and looking pretty, just like any ordinary girl would. It is a natural womanly desire to dress up in clothes that would accentuate her beauty.

When I was much younger and naive (that was during my early teens), I used to turn to fashion magazines for advice on what I should be wearing. Hollywood stars used to be my role models. Baby Ts, tights, skinny jeans..those were the staple..

However, as I started to pick up new knowledge on Islam and mingled with the right crowd, my fashion sense too has changed. Ever since I started wearing the hijab 15 years ago, I've started dressing more conservatively, the way Allah intended women to be clothed. Clothes that conceal and protect a woman's body from the eyes of those who aren't authorized to view them. Alhamdulillah, I'm thankful for being shown back to the right path early in my life.

For a young girl who wanted so much to feel attractive yet still having to remain decent to protect her dignity, I have to admit, it wasn't an easy path. At times I succumb to wearing clothes that aren't too Islamic like short sleeved t-shirts and body hugging shirts. Those instances, I truly regret. Then again, 15 years back, it was rather difficult to find decent t-shirts, blouse and pants to wear. So much so, that most of the time I ended up shopping for clothes in the men's department. There you can find baggy t-shirts, shirts and loose-fitting pants. Ofcourse, I made do with these and tried to look as feminine in them a I could. That is by choosing shades that women are naturally attracted to - red, maroon, pink, purple..

Fast forward to the present, muslimah fashion is now the rage! In the local fashion scene, Sri Munawwarah Design were among the first in Malaysia to come up with fashionable decent wear for women. These days you hear the brand names: Hajabba, Sumayya, Hilyah. For Fashionable Hijab brands, we have Ariani, Seri Kapas, and gosh so many names in the market including home-made and mass-made ones sold at the night market. Amazing, amazing... And I'm loving it!

My interest in muslimah fashion has never dimmed or faded(pretty rare for the Girl With Gazillion Ideas). And the same is true with my desire to become a wahm and an entrepreneur. It is because of this burning passion and desire that I've decided to begin my research on muslimah fashion. My aim is to encourage other women to take interest in this 'field of study'. Imagine if I can persuade all muslimahs to dress the way they should..Alhamdulillah, I would have served some purpose in this life..

Insya'Allah, this is my vision so far.. And I'm working on it starting with baby steps:) Please pray for my and our ummah's success..