A fusion of faith and fashion

A fashion show also comprising a Hijab tutorial was organized by the Indonesian Women’s Association in cooperation with the Indonesian consulate in Jeddah last week.
The show held at the Indonesian Consul General’s residence here was titled “Muslima Fashion Show and Hijab Tutorial.”
Well-known Indonesian designer Irna Mutiara conducted the tutorial and the fashion show. She said the aim was to share with the Saudi guests and the Indonesian community knowledge on Muslim fashion and how Muslim women in Indonesia wear their Hijab.
Lies Tresnowati Dharmakirty, wife of Indonesian Consul General, welcomed the guests and expressed appreciation for participating in a cultural exchange program.
“Hijab is not merely about fashion, it is more about a reflection of our faith. The design and styles of Islamic clothing have mushroomed in the last few years with an increasing awareness among the young generation to wear Hijab as obligated by our religion,” said Dharmakirty.
Designer Mutiara said: “Islamic and modest clothing that is trendy and fashionable has inspired many young people in Indonesia. This has opened an opportunity for a lucrative business, especially for those who are interested to pursue a career in Muslim fashion.”
She said she constantly strives to come up with a modest design that is fashionable and trendy, as well as easy and comfortable. For this, she travels frequently.
Dr. Elly Warta Malik, founder of Darul Ulum Institute for Al-Qur’an and Arabic in Jeddah was present at the event. She was pleased with what she saw and said Indonesian women in Jeddah had an amazing opportunity to acquaint themselves with the latest in Muslim fashion.
“I hope Indonesian Muslim fashion designers work harder to make Indonesia the international center for Muslima fashion. Whenever people talk about fashion, they are thinking Paris, but I wish that whenever people talk about Muslima fashion, they turn to Indonesia,” she said.
Malik said the event serves dual purposes of dawah and of boosting the economy.
Malik also said that people wear hijab for many reasons — the call of faith or it may be because they look more elegant.
She said Hijab fashion is a burgeoning industry and Saudi women can explore business opportunities by becoming entrepreneurs in this expanding fashion field.