Tokyo holds its first fashion show for Muslim women

Wednesday, 7 December 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Japan held its first fashion show for Muslim women in Tokyo recently showcasing the latest in hijab fashion.

Models walking the runway for the Modest Fashion Show 2016 wore brightly-coloured hijabs, some adorned with glitter. Garments with floral and marbling effect were examples of a fusion between Japanese traditional style and modest fashion.

Singapore designer Nur Hanis said she was excited to come to Tokyo and showcase her new collection for her brand, Meem Clothings.

“I think that it’s always about consumers. If let’s say designers, someone wants something specific, like something with Japanese accents or like something that has kimono inspiration, I think it’s really endless opportunities to design. There is no one way to do or to wear the hijab. So I think people should open eyes more and be accepting for new designs,” she said, adding that she wanted to bring inspiration from her Tokyo experience back home.

The modest fashion designers at the show said they were aiming to provide more clothing options for Muslim women.

A 26-year-old student from Myanmar who went to the show, Cherry Aye, said that she felt inspired.

“It was indeed fashionable. I’m a Muslim, but have never wore the hijab. Seeing this fashion show, I now want to try the hijab,” she said.

“Many Japanese people are interested in the Halal food industry so far, so I wanted more Japanese fashion companies to pay attention to the Muslim fashion business with their products that are highly rated in the world,” said Akihiro Shugo, CEO of Halal Media Japan Co., which supports the lifestyle of Muslim people in Japan.

Some estimates put the number of Muslims in Japan at roughly 100,000, but organisers said the country has seen a rise in Muslim residents and tourists, meaning an expanding Muslim market.

Top Japanese fashion retailer, Uniqlo, launched its first collection of hijab scarves and tunics this year to target this market.

Nine brands, mainly from Singapore, showcased their collections at the Tokyo Modest Fashion Show.