Resort 2010

Light and Loose

I’ll be highlighting some of my favourite resort collections over the next few weeks, I’ve held on to these Stella McCartney images for a while so I thought I’d finally share them! I love the loose shapes.

This jumpsuit is amazing, absolutely love it!

The Tunics

Evening Resort

I’m working on a design that’s kind of similar to this skirt, I love its silhouette.

(images: style.com)

Autumn 2009

Dressing, the Balance

In terms of modesty designers were at extremes, with elaborate full maxi skirts, pinched wasp waists and more than a peek of underwear, Christian Dior headed the sexier side of the spectrum. But with soft draping, loose silhouettes and long lengths Alexis Mabille brought back the balance with a simple collection. I have to admit by favourite collection, Valentino, was edging further towards the Dior camp, but there were beautiful details and stunning textures to take inspiration from.

Valentino

Valentino totally took my breath away, and the more I looked at the collection the more I realised that these were modest designs posing as something a little more raunchy. The sheer black was layered with flesh tones that gave the impression of showing through, but actually they hid a lot more than they gave away. There were modest shift shape tunics and full volume skirts. I’m not suggesting that we all go for the corseted sheer looks, but layering sheer fabrics could be wonderful.

Alexis Mabille

Definitely the most Muslimah friendly couture collection there were abaya like shapes and hooded tunics. The maxi dresses and evening gowns were definite highlights, but the tailoring also shared the spotlight. Not the most creatively exciting or technically beautiful his collection seemed unfinished, some looks missed the mark, while others were stunning.

(images:style.com)

Maxi Dresses with Volume

Soft Summer Silhouettes

Tiers are a great way to cover body shape, the layers create a shift shape but with more texture and movement. A whole host of designers this season have experimented with everything from frills, to tiers and ruffles. There are girly flounces and more grown up structured layers so whatever your tastes, you can add this great trend to your wardrobe.

I love the Erdem maxi dresses, they’re girly but grown up. Perfect for a summer garden party or wedding, that lace is beautiful!

Tailored Tiers

Structured Tiers work great on tops and tunics, hips can be hidden under layers of fabric without looking boxy or frumpy. If you’re a bit cautious about trying the trend start with a top or skirt rather than going head to toe. Then who knows, you may fall for the frills!

In part 2 we’ll look at fun and quirky frills and for the more daring Muslimah’s out there, some slightly avant-garde designs from labels that love to push the boundaries of fashion.

Loose tunics and spring colours make a fresh and funky statement

Window Wonders

My lovely mum went to Rennes and decided to take some snap shots of the hijab friendly fashion in the windows. Draping, long skirts, layering and a pretty window display of BCBG Max Azria, not to mention delicious looking macaroons and pastries! I love the idea of snapshot shopping, and think we should do more of it! If you’re planning a holiday or have some great shops in your home town share them with our worldwide hijab newtork. Post them onto the Facebook group page or send them in to my email.

I like the way her reflection is caught in the glass! (bottom image)

4. Wide leg trousers

Finding trousers that are loose enough to cover the hips can be tricky, but once you’ve found a style that suits they can be very useful for making tops, tunics and even mini dresses hijab friendly. Go for wide leg pleat front trousers or the harem style (word of warning: ones with a really low crotch are almost impossible to pull off so go for ones based on the style). There are quite a few around on the runway, but may be slightly harder to find on the high-street for my full guide click here.

5. Wrap Dress

Another item of clothing I wear over and over again! Because the are wrap around you can make them as loose as you like and become very versatile. Wear them fully tied, tied on one side, fully open, over trousers, skirts even abayas, as a jacket… you get the point there are lots of ways to work it out! These are easily found on the high-street and a lot of people will already own one.

6. Tunic

Tunics seem to be made for hijabis! They are modest in their shape but still very feminine and elegant. A main-stay in resort wear collections grab them in summer while you can. The only winter alternative is a long sleeved shift dress, but summer is the best time to get the prettiest prints and detailing. Because they tend to be very light-weight you can get away with wearing long sleeves underneath, but actually a lot have full length sleeves to begin with- yay! Don’t you just love love love the Matthew Williamson tunics, if anyone bought from his H&M collection send in your pics!

7. Knee length jacket

A muslimah spends a lot of time trying to cover up tops that show too much shape, of trousers that cling to the hips. For those days when you’re just popping out for groceries a long jacket hides a multitude of hijab ‘hot-spots’. Whether it’s a warm winter coat or a paper thin mac they are readily available and can come extremely well designed. And would it be so wrong for us to throw on a trench over our pajamas to throw out the rubbish?

After our top 3 countdown I’ll be throwing together some looks with the headscarf using our big top ten- if you have any ideas of your own send them in to hana@stylecovered.com

runway images: style.com

Modest Maxi Dresses are one of Saab's great strengths in his S/S 09 collection

Saab Style

Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer collection was so fresh and from a Muslimah’s perspective quite exciting. I love the variety of ways he’s managed to cover up body shape without it looking boxy. The shapes are so elegant and feminine, there were so many styles I liked it was difficult for me to choose just a few to show you! The maxi dresses are really innovative and cut differently from most that I’ve seen, and great for hijab.

Islamic Fashion: With so many different modest summer styles covering up is certainly chic!

Love Lengths

The selection of tunics and dresses above are so summery. And I absolutely love the mini/maxi length where the hemline drops to full length at the back. They would look great with some slouchy trousers- just imagine that top tunic with some white linen trousers- beautiful!

Saab's couture collection was a simple but stunning array in gentle tones. (images: nymag.com)

Couture

His couture line has amazing attention to detail, it may be his Middle-Eastern background that inspires the decorative embellishment. But this decoration never looks garish or out of place, it combines the best of both worlds in beautifully simple elegance. Either way his background definitely helps him to be a great designer for Muslimahs.

Born and raised in Malaysia Sheeda has just completed an Electrical Engineering Degree. She gives insightful answers and proves that however diverse our backgrounds and personal style, our Muslim core is what defines us and brings us together.

Do you follow fashion trends?

I do not believe in following fashion trends blindly. Being trendy does not necessarily mean that you’re fashionable or stylish. It’s always good to inject our own personal style in dressing.

Which item of clothing would you say was a key piece for a Muslimah?

I think most girls would agree when I say that a structured jacket is the key piece in a Muslimah’s wardrobe. It helps to keep us covered without losing the style factor.

How does wearing hijab make you feel?

Living in an era where bad influences can come in so many different ways, wearing hijab for me is like a reminder that I am a Muslimah and I am bound to the demands of my beloved religion. In a way it helps me to learn and grow hopefully to become a better Muslimah.

Who or what do you look at for style inspiration?

I get my inspiration from fashion blogs and online shops. I love to see real people putting up pieces of clothing together.

Who are your favourite designers?

The legendary Karl Lagerfeld

What tip can you share with StyleCovered readers?

I am really not good in giving tips, but allow me to borrow a quote from Coco Chanel; ” The best color in the world is the one that looks good, on you”. Well it basically means that you have to always make sure that you’re comfortable in whatever you’re wearing. When you feel comfortable, you will exude confidence. And nothing is more beautiful than a woman with confidence.

What goes through your head when you’re putting an everyday outfit together?

Comfort and appropriateness to the event or place I am going to.

Favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?

I love skinny jeans as much as i love long tunics so i really can’t make my stand to choose one and both of the items go well together too!

Is there any item of clothing, or trend that you stay away from?

Super high heels. I mean they are absolutely beautiful but very uncomfortable too. I usually opt for flats because to me, comfort is key.

If you go on a spending spree what do you go for?

When I shop, I really look into detailing, floral, ruffles, beads, ribbon tie sash are mostly the items that catch my eye.

What are your style trademarks/habits?

Black. I am always drawn to anything black or at the very least, things that match with black. I think black can be stylish and safe at the same time.

A style tip if you’re saving money?

Mix and match. It’s really not necessary to buy something new every time. It’s good to mix and match items of clothing that are already in the wardrobe and try to get a few different looks out of it. That way, you’ll feel like you’re wearing something new every time!

Beauty is…?

Personified. If think if we really take our time and try to get to know a person, we would know that everyone is beautiful in their own ways.

As a Muslimah what do you look for in clothing?

I normally try my best look for decent clothing to represent my image as a Muslimah. I try to avoid t-shirts with lewd or obscene statement, (believe me there are plenty in the market), and tops with inappropriate graphics.

In high-street shops I head straight for…?

The first thing that catches my eye. Yes. I am, in fact, guilty as charged, an impulse buyer. If something caught my eye and has a good fit, (given that the price is within my budget ), I will not hesitate to buy it.

When it comes to accessories I…?

Keep them to a bare minimum. I love charmbracelets and chunky rings but its usually an either or situation. If i wear the charmbracelet, chances are, i lose the chunky ring.

To show us your take on Muslimah Style with the chance to be featured as StyleCovered StyleSister send your photos in to hana@stylecovered.com, all the details are here.