The Muslims have been traditionally very festive and fun loving people. The beautiful craftsmanship and embroidery patterns found on their clothing, unrivalled with so many fascinating and breath taking color combinations, provides a completely unique fashion style unlike any others. In the middle ages the ravages of time and history took its toll and the hijab and abaya became strict rules of conduct accompanied by equally simple eating habits that have been enforced upon the womenfolk of modern times.
Traditionally, Muslims are known to adhere to religious values and ethics that rule all forms of daily life more dominantly than the ones eschewed by the political or governing bodies, the ones running the affairs of the state. Most of the Muslim population is devout and traditional status quo is maintained in most of the homes by all age groups equally. Of late, though with generations having passed since they left the birth places, Muslims are increasingly looking to make their own fashion statements in their own subtle ways. The Muslim women folk had been using highly ornamental and embroidered clothing that, in spite of covering them from head to toe, was intricately designed in vibrant colors and in many variants that brought out the distinctly feisty and festive outlook to life.
Changing the Muslim Clothing Scene The Arabian peninsula that is home to most traditional rituals and customs and strict enforcements the one that is most surprisingly leading the way, followed by the more 'liberal' and forward looking Malaysia and other far east and south Asian countries. The 'complete wear' clothing designs being brought forward by Sarah Binhejaila, who has done a course in western world, seeks to replace the double layer traditional attires thus making a difference from within the system without antagonizing the purists. It is however a compromise of sorts. Changes taking place in the west In a slight shift from what is taking place in the Middle-East, the native English Muslim designer has been courageous enough to add vibrant colors while giving the abaya and hijab its time honored place. The colors that have changed from the traditional black or dark brown at the most to more attractive pink and pleasing blue have been seen to be accepted at least in the more affluent and cash rich European and American Muslim womenfolk. Estimating the Muslim clothing market The market estimates that can cover Muslim clothing designs are a subject of intrigue.
The sector has been a tight, closed circle until late. Some market figures put sales near $500 million a year in the U.K. alone, where a large portion of the Muslim population thrives. According to some rough estimates made by Kamarul Aznam, a Malaysian media owner, the total market that stands to be explored cud run into at least a few billion dollars in the European Union alone.
Jason Stevenson writes articles on Islamic Designer Fashion, Muslim Fashion, Islamic Urban Wear. Other information written by the author related to Urban Wear, Muslim Clothing, Islamic Fashion can be found on the web.
