Fashionably Muslim:

Young Muslim Female Fashion in Cardiff

Photography exhibition

By Fatima Latif

“I do not find fashion to be a main issue when living in Britain. Modest clothing is fairly easy to source if you look in the right places. However other issues arise when trying to mis both cultures together, such as socialising or communicating the right images across in a western society.”

Amal, 31- Syria

Arifa, 19- South Africa“Being a Muslim and living in Britain does not change anything for me. I still feel free to express myself through any means I feel especially clothes. I choose my clothes depending on the occasion and situation. Sometimes leaning towards contemporary fashion and other times going back traditional.”

Eiman, 25- Saudi Arabia“Being a Saudi Arabian living in Britain has its challenges, but it definitely has helped me define my character, my way of thinking and my personal style. I like to follow trends as long as they don’t contradict with my religion. Living in britain allows me to have fun with fashion in a way that I can wear jeans and long sleeved loose tops and the exotic oud perfume. It is important for me to have my very own style.”

Mitra, 21- Iran“Being half British and living in Britain means I am able to merge both the Islamic and British world well. I am able to take positives from both sides and leave negatives behind. Islam effects my choices in clothes but the West helps shape my personality and identity. I am proud to represent both sides and always use it as a strength.”

Gheed, 31- Iraq“Fashion does not play a very big role in my choice of clothes. They are two very different concepts to me. Mostly, I choose clothes not follow fashion. I have my own style with hijab, which I have come to develop. This is how I feel most comfortable and which I find most appropriate. It may seem controversial to some but this is my own choice.”

Noor, 19- Bahrain“Living in the UK has never seemed to propose any problems for me. I never understand why people complain about not finding the right clothes to wear. I do not have any problems with fashion and Islam colliding. The only thing I would say is that finding a summer wardrobe can be a little bit tough.”

Huda, 20- Iraq“I love fashion. It is a means of expression for me. I am young and like to try out new things. It is my way of communicating with the world around me. Religion is the most important aspect in my life which I use to centre my personality around and create my identity.”

Rafal, 19- Iraq“At first glance it may seem that fashion and Islam do not go hand in hand for me. Islam, specifically modesty, actually plays a big role in my choices of clothes. Choosing the right clothes is very important, making sure not to choose something that is inappropriate or too revealing.”

Manna, 30- Pakistan“Fashion to me has a different meaning. It means traditional clothing, that is my fashion. I stick to traditional clothes and thats what I wear everyday for almost every occasion. I certainly find Cardiff allows a Muslim woman to be more free in her choice of clothes, but other cities such as London and Birmingham dictate fashion senses a little more, it is more about following the crowd.”

Somia- Pakistan“There are many misunderstandings about Islam and specifically relating to dress, very few people understand why we dress the way we do- we cover up to preserve our modesty. I myself started wearing hijab properly since 1 and a half years, after gaining greater understanding of my religion and out of personal choice.Being a Muslim does not deprive us of following fashion or being fashionable. Personally, I am able to have my own fashion sense - it is influenced by main stream fashion but remains within the boundaries of my religion.”