Once upon a time in Malaysia, we shot for the MAYSAA scarves.  If you’ve ever wondered what happens if you (a.k.a. guy with camera, a.k.a. Faris off of Ikanpaos Kolektif) film all access, and then you (a.k.a. I) edit it into just under a minute of behind the scenes footage, well wonder no more.  This is exactly that.

Continuing thanks to Faris, Bibo, Daya, Shareeta, and the rest of the gang.

maysaa.com presents the soon-to-be-in-store scarves in new colours.
A teaser taken from behind the scenes at the shoot.

So I know I’ve been on about this for quite some time, but it’s actually factually happening.  Had an amazing little shoot with Bibo Aswan, all captured by Mr. guy with camera himself Ahmad Faris off of IkanPaos Kolektif.  Make up was by the lovely and talented Daya Yunus, and our stunning model was Shareeta Selvaraj.

There will be more promos, tutorials, behind-the-scenes to come.  So this really is the tip of a scarf shaped iceberg.

‘Yes, yes Hana, that’s all well and good, but when will the scarves be in store’ I hear you say.  Well, what I can say is that we’re talking a matter of days.  So check back on Maysaa before the week is out. x

Islamic Fashion: A selection of this seasons finest Kaftans

Summer Cycle

Every summer the Kaftan comes back , new and improved. A wardrobe staple, for some people it’s just a beach cover-up, but for hijabi’s they can provide a very lightweight, loose relief from the heat. So you can see why I have such a soft spot for these easy wearing garments. I will say that it is particularly difficult to find a suitable one on the high-street that doesn’t need another top underneath (bikini through a kaftan must be a popular look). So when you find one it’s worth grabbing it and heading for the nearest check out counter. The good news is that you can buy almost any size bigger than you are and get away with it, and if you have a bit of cash to splash then Antik Batik has an amazing range.

One step up sees you with Naeem Khan, whose kaftans (and pretty much everything else) is absolutely stunning. Expect a designer spotlight post soon!

There are some pretty sandals and scarves too!

It must be Summer

You know it’s getting to that time of year when vogue has a Kaftan in one of it’s features, so what better time to share this post with you, and as promised via twitter here’s the original inspiration.

From July's issue- all things beach related

Antik Batik Kaftans

Antik Batik has long been a favourite of the ‘Jet-Set’ and you can see why. Without over embellishment they still manage to be something a little different, perfectly lovely!

Hijab fashion: Antik Batik has fine prints and great shapes, perfect for Muslimahs

Reem Acra

Reem Acra is another designer with beautiful reinventions of the Kaftan, this time a lot more ornate and ’special’. You’ll need a whole lot of pennies to afford one though. Maybe if you’re getting married in Hawaii and want something a little different…

images: style.com, Antik Batik and Vogue

Two women display a sign Thursday that reads “Don’t touch my head scarf” in protest of a ban on the Muslim head wear in universities in Turkey (AFP)

Problem Politics

I received a very interesting email from sister Sena, she’s a Turkish hijabi with style and modesty, so why is she forced by law to live a double life?

“I have been “covered up” for 10 years I love being like that but to be honest it’s hard to be a muslim in Turkey. First of all we muslim girls who prefer to be covered up are not allowed to go to school in our normal clothes. We have to take our scarves off. That’s a real pain.. We have to be two different girls in the very same day.”

Turkish law bans the wearing of headscarves in places of education and state run companies. I don’t claim to know the ins and outs of every angle but as a Muslim woman I would be more than outraged if anyone forced me to take off my headscarf. But for our sisters in countries like Turkey and France this is a reality. Surely in most peoples minds to forcibly undress a woman would be totally scandalous, but for these governments it is seen as the best option. So why when most of Turkey is against the ban would they impose it?

They dress up the issue as a matter of protection for us poor little Muslim girls who are forced to wear the headscarf by our backwards family and tradition. But I think the real issue is the fact that they feel threatened by religion, it seems to be almost a warning against Islamic ideals. They are afraid that these ideals would filter into the political realm.

Contradictions Of the Law

But 99% of the population are Muslim and a clear majority are opposed to the ban. If a government is supposed to serve it’s country then they’re clearly not doing a very good job. The contradictions are obvious:

Not only are they violating the rights of those women who want to learn or work and wear the headscarf they are also preventing a lot of women from continuing their education, to me this is insanely backwards. This isn’t secularism, this is something a lot more sinister.

Human Rights

In this article I think the Human Rights Watch got it exactly right.

Rachel Denber (Human Rights Watch)

Headscarves do not pose a threat to public safety, health, order or morals, and they do not impinge on the rights of others, Human Rights Watch said. Furthermore, headscarves are not inherently dangerous or disruptive of order, and do not undermine educational functions.

Beyond Religion

Hmm I wonder what they would say to all those fashionable girls who wear a headscarf without any religious intention. Galliano would be out of a job for sure! Just take a look.

And John Galliano is not the only designer to be dressing up the models in scarves, Autumn/Winter 2009 is shaping up to be a very Muslimah friendly season. But more on that story later!…

Inspired by

Hijabi style: bright, bold sari's make statement scarves (image: left-Vogue)

D.I.Y. Fashion

With inspiration fro Vogue, create your own beautiful scarves from sari silk. I’ll give you the how-to and where to buy so you can add a splash of colour and print into your wardrobe, transforming any outfit into something unique!

Vogue Inspired

Recently Vogue has had a bit of a revamp, adding new features and bringing back popular formats. One interesting twist on high end fashion is the ‘More Dash Than Cash’ section which aims to show an affordable approach to designer fashion. Mostly they mix expensive pieces with vintage, high-street, and bits of stylist D.I.Y. magic to create outfits. One thing that caught my eye this month were the cuts of sari fabric sold as separate scarves on Portabello Market at around £3 each. Now I’ve got a whole load of second hand sari silk picked up from various vintage/ethnic shops. They were really cheap- about £10 for a whole length (I think it’s about 5 yrds).

The How-To

At least 2 sides of the fabric will be selvedges which you won’t need to hem, the other 2 can just use any kind of hem you like. If you don’t know how to hem, there’s a great little how-to video by threadbangers on youtube:

Get Creative

You’ll have plenty of fabric left for other projects, or you can make a few extra and give them as beautiful presents! It’s a really simple way to save money and get creative!

Where To

You can do as I did and scout out fabric from any good vintage or ethnic shop (if you smell incense you’re on the right track!) or ebay has a great selection from all over the world.