Islamic Fashion Festival 2009

I’m simply awed by some of the stunning and contemporary collections in the Islamic Fashion Festival recently. This year, the event was held in Jakarta on 25^th – 26^th of May. The models strutted down the runway with poise and elegance showcasing creations of the Indonesian and Malaysian designers. Gracing the event were designers from Indonesia, Ghea Panggabean, Ian Adrian, Itang Yunasz, Malik Moestaram, Rudy Chandran, Irna Mutiara, Arifan Mas, Defrico Andy and Sofie whilst designers from Malaysian were Atim Agoy, Hajaba, Khoon Hooi, Melinda Looi, Jarumas and Tom Abang Saufi.

Here are some of my favourite picks.

Photos Credit: Enny Nuraheni - Reuters; Adek Berry - AFP and Romeo Gacad - AFP

Modern Hijab, Modern Tudung

For years, decades and centuries, muslim women around the world have been wearing headscarf to signify our obligations to our embraced religion, Islam. We, malay muslims in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei labeled them as tudung or selendang. As for others, they may called them ‘hijab’ which means in Arabic for cover. It also means modesty and privacy.

For modern muslimah, wearing hijab/tudung has become part of the fashion accessories for them. As time evolves, the trend of wearing headscarf has blown exponentially. Therefore, it’s not surprising to see such plentiful and colorful scarves that printed in different designs, shapes and sizes where you can match with your modest outfits. Not only that, the techniques of tying and pinning headscarf has variants so much that one will look stylish if she really knows how to be creative and fashionable.

And for some, they appear beautiful after putting on the headscarf. Well, that’s the beauty of hijab - wouldn’t you agree?

From left: Hanan Turk (Egyptian actress), Inneke Koesherawati (Indonesian actress),

Inneke and Wardinah Saffiyah (Malaysian presenter/celebrity)

Muslimah Blouse: Colourful Blooms

Bright and colourful - that's how I summed up these blouses. In the past, floral blouses was a big no-no for me. I felt like a 'walking garden'. But then, my perception fades as time past. I'm not a big fan yet and I'm still picky about wearing these prints. But who cares? If you think these are not ideal for office wear, then why not consider to fit them during weekends. So have a cheerful weekend!