The Evolution of the Fashion Hijab

posted on: May 24, 2017

BY: Christine Shahin/Arab America Ambassador Blogger 

Author of: Arab Beauty ~ Naturally, and  Natural Hair Coloring: How To Use Henna, and other pure herbal pigments for Chemical Free Beauty 

When I was in Lebanon in 2013, Designer Hijabs adorned state-of-the-art high rise store fronts. These “modest” fashion designs were trail blazing a path four years ago. This past February 2017, Indonesian fashion designer Anniesa Hasibuan won a standing ovation at New York Fashion Week just after showcasing her head to toe hijab at Istanbul Modest Fashion Week. 

Hasibuan’s spectrum of designs encompassed soft tones, delicate lace, classic Indonesian jacquard fabric to sensational elaborate styles in metallic colored fabrics. Appearing on the NYC runway were an entire line of models in hijab that elicited a standing ovation! Accolades to Anniesa!!

Historically, some of the earliest records of headdresses are from ancient Egypt where they were used in distinguishing particular gods/goddesses associated with certain pharaohs. Symbolic, spiritual and social status were conveyed by head wraps in sub-Saharan Africa; a specific wrap was a unique signature of the wearer.

Most cultures have used some type of head wrapping for many reasons, secular use of turbans in Africa, Afghanistan, India, and the Middle East continue to be used for protection from the blazing sun as well as freezing conditions. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all use head coverings as modest attire to this day.

Some years ago, legislated in certain areas of the American south, head wraps were a way to rank female slaves. As a show of solidarity with slaves, women across the world, especially women of color, wrapped their heads; this practice continues to be a statement of solidarity for women of African decent.

French fashion designer, Paul Poiret made the turban poplar at the start of the twentieth century and was worn by educated traveled women influenced by socialites such as Gloria Swanson of silent film fame and world known film star Greta Garbo. There are more socialites that have worn turbans than I can name here, but a quick online search produces fascinating results!

Grace Kelly (1962) in turban.

Having been brought up Christian, we covered our heads when we went to church. We did so usually with a light lace scarf, and still, until now, I always love “wrapping” my hair. Head wraps, while different in style and purpose from the hijab, covering hair can be an effective method to shield hair from exposure, injury, and damage. Covering helps hair retain moisture and keep it out of the way.

I first started to hair wrap when attending Syracuse University. Doing short alterations are common for me and I like to use the remnants as an accessory for hair wrap. I discovered that it shifts a challenging hair day into a rest and repair hair day.  It does keep my hair “happy” so I continue to wrap my hair when needed, usually when in the garden or extreme weather conditions.

You can read a chapter about the different types of hair wrap in Natural Hair Coloring: How To Use Henna, and Other Pure Herbal Pigments for Chemical Free Beauty. Some styles are simple, others more complex, but all are beautiful. Hair wraps offer mobility to person’s using herbal pigments to color their hair since herbs sometimes, not always, have a longer processing time. Hair wraps allow for normal daily activities, such as: running errands, teaching/attending class, meeting, or go to the movies, etc.

Fashion, is a powerful form of communication; it informs us about our social status, our values, and our beliefs. Its power can break down barriers and prejudices. It also can be used to reinforce similarities. Fashion can make a current movement into a trend, profiting from it, and compromising the movement rendering it ineffectuality.

In today’s world it is vital that we stay mindful of the many ways Fashion can contribute to our division or commonalities. Let us be inspired by Anniesa’s trailblazing show, and see it as the indicator of our collective acceptance and cooperation – a beautiful opportunity to create a new fashion, a fashion of BE U TO BE FULL.

Beauty & Blessings ~ Naturally!