Dubai: Is it possible to wear the hijab and be modest and chic at the same time? UAE-based lifestyle blogger Wafa Yahya thinks so.
"I believe that hijab fashion has now gone really far in proving that a woman can be modest and chic at the same time. There is now a larger fashion movement acknowledging the power of hijab in fashion," Yahya said.
Yahya gave this year's New York Fashion Week as an example. "Those who closely follow the style world may have noticed several looks featuring longer lengths, higher cuts, and looser fits," she said.
The practice of wearing a hijab in Islam is traditionally based on religious doctrine and grounded in Islam's emphasis on modesty.
"In the past, hijab fashion used to be very traditional and designers did not actually give much thought about creating special fashion lines for modest women. Additionally, there were very few women with hijab who were actually courageous enough to embrace the latest fashion trends," Yahya said.
The scene has completely changed today, along with changes to the social norms, she said.
"What was not acceptable 20 years ago is absolutely fine nowadays. The millennial generation is significantly bolder - in a positive way - than any time before. They are confident about expressing themselves and living the life they want to without fearing of what others have to say about them, this is definitely reflected in all aspects of their lives including their fashion choices," Yahya said.
She credits social media and the internet in "connecting people and cultures and blurring the differences in style between one group of people and another".
"What remains is having your personal touch and choices of what sort of clothing options suit your personality and style," she said.
Which fashion wear does she think will become this season's biggest hits?
"I think that abayas and kaftans are the biggest winner of all seasons. These dresses have been there for ages and survived for so many years, but there is always some additions and twists added to these dresses in order to give them a modern twist. Even some Hollywood celebrities such as Rihanna, Rachel Zoe, and many others selected to wear abayas and kaftans at some occasions," Yahya said.
Wafa Yahya is the author of wafasdiary.com
