Closet FAQ

What happened to the monthly videos?

In a nutshell: we moved. Back on the east coast, we had the perfect space to film, a really great group of people to work with, and easy access to the clothing and accessories we needed. Now that we’re in L.A., it’s been a little more difficult to find the time and people, so we came up with the daily Closet posts. They serve the same purpose as the videos (and also take 200 hours less to create and develop) so we’re sticking to how things are for now.

Do you think your personal style has evolved since you started wearing hijab?

I would definitely say my style has evolved, and continues to evolve, but that’s not solely because I wear hijab now. I think age and environment also play a role in how your style changes – I mean, I’m not wearing stirrup pants with Keds anymore, are you?

Have you ever faced discrimination because of your hijab?

Most definitely. But I’m not sure how long I was being discriminated against until I actually noticed. I know that’s a weird thing to say, but people have always liked me, so the first time someone acted strange toward me, I guess I just thought they had gas. Obviously, hijab is the most recognizable symbol of Islam, so if I ever get a funny look, or notice that someone is treating me differently, I just feel more proud of who I am, and more proud to wear my hijab.

Do you have a favorite clothing designer or a favorite celebrity muse?

After Spring 2010 collections showcased at NY Fashion Week I was smitten for the likes of Pamella Roland, Phillip Lim and Derek Lam. I also adore the work of Missoni, Diane von Furstenburg, and Max Azria, Rei Kawakubo, Prada, Chanel, and Rachel Roy. As for a celebrity muse, I like the style picks of a few: Joy Bryant, Kate Moss, Rihanna, Katie Holmes, Rachel Zoe, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Would you ever consider starting your own clothing line?

That would be awesome. However everything I want to design is in my head, and since I can’t draw, and the people who can have no access to the internal workings of my brain, that might be hard. Also, it’s rare that we’d do an Open House — mostly for safety reasons.

Don’t you think you’re sending the wrong message by trying to make one of God’s commandments “fashionable?”

Not at all. Hijab is a beautiful thing, and if a woman can find a way to follow God’s command, while feeling comfortable, confident, and liberated, then I applaud her. Islam is about submitting your own wants and desires to the commands of God, but religion is not that easy for everyone. If you’re a Muslim woman who wears hijab, think about the other aspects of this faith that you have struggled with. All of us have our own battles, and we have to respect the fact that each of us moves at our own pace. When it comes to religion, specifically feeling good in hijab, I am, and will always be an advocate for women who are making an effort — no matter how little that effort may seem to an outsider. As long as you know that you are on a life-long path to change your life for God, I think the rest is between you and Him.

Where do you get your fashion advice from?

When I was little my mom used to let me dress myself, which at times would trigger squinting and staring from strangers. As I got older, I often mimicked my mom and sister, and through my adult life I’ve been the anti-trend. If it’s “in,” I don’t want it, so I rely on all my fashion advice from my mirror. I know my body type, and I know what my religion requires of me, so the choices I make are based on what makes me feel tingly inside.

Why don’t you move your focus from American designers and celebrities, and focus on designers who are making clothes geared toward Muslim women?

When it comes to this Web site, I have a policy: If I wouldn’t wear it, eat it, or use it, I’m not going to blog about it. In the past, we have featured Muslim designers on the site, and hope to find more budding talent in the future, but this site is about finding the best in fashion, and sharing it with my readers irrespective of at part of the world it’s from. When it comes to American celebrities, I don’t think wanting to wear the same sunglasses that Ashely Olsen has suddenly makes a person anti-Islam. When I suggest wearing something that a celebrity has, I’m not condoning having Brad Pitt’s babies out of wedlock, I’m simply suggesting that a red carpet dress would look totally cute on me too.

What do you hope to achieve from these daily posts?

In a perfect world, some sort of social change. In a regular world, I hope these posts act as a stepping stone for women who are on the fence about covering their hair. There are too many stories about women being pressured into taking off their hijab for marriage purposes, or out of fear they won’t get good jobs, or because they feel like they can’t walk across their university campus with their heads held high. It makes me feel like we’re moving backwards as a society when a woman feels like a part of her identity has to be stripped from her in order to be accepted. If someone doesn’t believe in wearing hijab, or chooses not to do it, that’s the individual’s prerogative. I’m not here to tell people do this, I’m just here to tell people, don’t be afraid to do this if it’s what you believe in.

• April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010

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