Muslim Wear: Treading The Line Between Modernity And Tradition

SINGAPORE — If recent reports are anything to go by, Islamic fashion, or Muslim wear, as it’s sometimes known, is making a serious fashion statement. Revenue statements, that is: The 2014–15 State of the Global Islamic Economy report by research firm DinarStandard found that Muslims spent US$266 billion (S$352 billion) in 2013 on fashion, compared with US$242 billion in 2012, and projected global spending of US$484 billion by 2019. Numerous brands are keen to cash in on the demand, such as Singapore-based Zalora, which is upping the ante in the Islamic fashion boom stakes with its in-house collection, ZALIA, as well as collaborations with designers such as Malaysia’s Mohd Hafizi Radzi Woo and Izree Kai Haffiz (of FIZIWOO).

“The ZALIA collection is designed with intricate embellishments, sophisticated embroideries and hand beading, delicate crochet placement lace, as well as self-designed unique prints on jacquard that are exclusively created in-house, said Avni Pundir, managing director and head of private labels at ZALORA.

Along with the FIZIWOO range, ZALORA will be launching its latest ZALIA collection at Singapore Fashion Week this afternoon at the Tent @ Orchard, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, and Pundir said the company is more than ready to meet the challenges ahead, such as whether designers can push the boundaries between fashion and modesty.

“One of the biggest challenges in the Islamic fashion industry is the ongoing debate on how a Muslim woman should dress. Today, an increasing number of Muslim women are looking for Muslim wear that are fashionable, yet modest,” Pundir said. “I don’t agree with the idea that you can’t push design boundaries in Muslim wear. Given the standards of modesty as a guide, designers of Muslim wear will need to think outside the box and get inspirations from everything.”

She continued: “The juxtaposition of modern and tradition — seemingly bipolar opposites — can create endless permutations in design and interpretations. That is the beauty of fashion; aesthetic guides are meant to rein in and give focus to artistic expression without restricting possibilities. ZALIA is a great example of how we provide options for chic Muslim women seeking trendy but modest styles.”

Pundir added that ZALIA means to fill the gap in the South-east Asia market for “accessible and affordable, glamorous and elegant modest wear” that goes beyond the usual festive season fare and can be worn throughout the year. “By producing more options for women and collaborating with the region’s Muslim-wear designers, we are helping the industry grow and fuelling interest in elegant Muslim wear.”

Pundir said the company was working to expand its product range to offer customers a wider choice. “It’s not about the volume, but about providing customers with relevant and good products at a good price. That’s our focus.”

Originally published on www.todayonline.com