It's Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race

by Mariam Khan

It strikes me as ironic that while it is Islamic clothing, Islamic culture, and Islamic ideals that are supposedly being represented, the models on those catwalks are not Muslim, the designers are not Muslim, and even the audience present is not Muslim. Similarly, basic Islamic ethics are going ignored; brands continue to exploit individuals working in sweatshops around the world, paying them abhorrent amounts for long and unjustifiable working hours; up-and-coming Muslim designers are not empowered or raised up, nor are they employed to design ‘Muslim-friendly’ attire (because let’s face it, modest doesn’t automatically mean Muslim and vice versa). So no, I don’t take kindly to my religion and ideology being co-opted and appropriated as a money-making scheme. I do not take kindly to aspects of my religion suddenly being acceptable, and not only tolerated but celebrated, only when a tall, white model is dressed in my ethno-religious attire. I do not take kindly to being told that only when Western fashion deems it acceptable and worthwhile, will I be allowed to showcase and wear my religion proudly on my head and back. Islam has been made into a brand, and I am no part of this brand.