Faith & Fashion

As my mother delicately adjusted the fabric draping her head, her hands paused as a smile formed across her face. It was a smile I will never forget. A smile that spoke of something much deeper—of profound strength, unwavering faith, and prideful expression. My mother had always been the strongest person I knew, but this moment was even more powerful. It was as if she had unearthed the brightest layer of herself, one that was always there, waiting to be uncovered. When my mother wore a hijab for the first time, it was not solely about fashion; it was about embracing an identity, a faith, a story that went beyond the fabric itself. Her hijab was not an addition to her wardrobe; it was a part of her—an embodiment of her beliefs, values, and principles.

In our society, fashion empowers us with the gift of self-expression. Yet, the interconnection between faith and fashion continuously finds itself surrounded by controversy. The hijab merges diverse cultural identities with contemporary style but is often misconstrued as a form of oppression that suppresses one's individuality. A deeper exploration, however, reveals a contrary truth: the hijab is not a derogating form of oppression but, rather, the most powerful form of expression.

Featuring an all-red outfit draped in a silk hijab, flowing caftan, and leather trousers, Ugbad Abdi confidently strode down the runway. As the opener of Prabal Gurung's Fall 2024 show, the Somali-American model's presence not only represented the epitome of high fashion but also redefined the industry's standards of beauty.

Before 2016, hijabs on the runway were unheard of. It was only after Halima Aden made her runway debut during the New York Fashion Week that they became more visible within the industry. Since then, high fashion has become increasingly receptive to the head veil, embracing the diversity it represents. Hijab-wearing models like Amina Adan, Kadija Diawara, Feriel Moulaï, and now, Ugbad Abdi have since left an everlasting mark on the runways of major brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Valentino, and more. Their presence on the runway echoes a powerful message: faith and fashion are not mutually exclusive but can beautifully coexist.

However, despite the positive reception the hijab has received, we cannot discuss its role in fashion without taking the time to understand the other side of the conversation. Oppression is a word that is commonly used in relation to the hijab. There is a dominant perception that has framed the hijab as a tool for oppression, notably through patriarchal control and the repression of a woman's individuality.

This perception is primarily the result of both misunderstanding and misrepresentation. When viewed through the lens of those who choose to wear it, the hijab reveals itself to be a symbol of empowerment, not suppression. Associating the hijab solely with oppression causes one to ignore the voices of millions of women who embrace the veil as a core aspect of their identity, faith, and self-expression. These are women who come from various backgrounds, cultures, and faiths, and with reasons for wearing the hijab which are equally diverse.

It is also important to note that the veil is not a religious symbol alone, as it continues to hold a cultural significance transcending any single religion. On the runway, models wear the hijab to express not only their designer's vision but also their individuality. For Ugbad Abdi, wearing a hijab empowers her to celebrate her faith while pursuing her love for fashion.

“The hijab is a part of the person I am,” she says. “It gives me a sense of comfort to be myself at all times. It gives me a voice” [1].

A voice. That is what the hijab represents. By wearing it, many are able to challenge the restricting definitions of beauty that society has imposed upon them—allowing them to express their individuality in the most powerful of ways.

Fashion is much more than just cloth and fabric. It is a reflection of cultural, social, and personal identities while also serving as a tool for self-expression and a way to distinguish oneself from others. Fashion reflects society. And as society becomes more accepting of diversity, it gives the opportunity for new beauty to rise. Beauty that is nonconforming to traditional standards and uplifts those who feel unrepresented.

Models like Halima Aden and Ugbad Abdi are not just transforming the narratives surrounding the hijab; they are rewriting them. Their courage to face conventional standards shows the world that the hijab represents something extraordinary. This courage inspires countless women to share a story that is often ignored—a story of diversity, faith, and pride.

The interconnection between faith and fashion is a concept that will forever redefine society's notions of beauty. Recognising the diverse perspectives on the subject enables our society to move beyond superficial judgements and appreciate the deep connection between the two.

After all, my mother's story is just one of many. There are millions who have also uncovered this new layer to themselves, a layer that brings out their most proud, confident, and authentic voices. My mother may not have been an international model, but in that one moment, she was the prettiest I've ever seen. For true beauty is not found in the arrangement of cloth but rather, in the message it conveys.