Could the hijab be fashion's new trending accessory?
For fall 2017, teen retailer American Eagle debuted a denim hijab as part of its collection of refreshed denim fits, washes and fabrications. In the ad campaign, it's worn by a smiling Halima Aden, a Somali-American model who signed with IMG Models earlier this year. (In keeping with the company's recent fashion-for-all mentality, other photos and videos feature athletes, musicians and models -- "handpicked for their ability to break stereotypes" -- of varying body types and skin tones.)
For the campaign, the hijab -- a symbol of modesty and religious devotion worn by Muslim women -- is styled to look fresh and fun, paired with a denim button-down shirt, olive jacket and navy floral frock layered over pants. It was priced at $19.95 and sold out in less than two weeks.
This release comes on the heels of Nike's announcement earlier this year that it plans to make available next spring a "Pro Hijab," done in black with signature Nike "swoosh" logo. It has been designed in collaboration with Muslim athletes and will be made from a dark, breathable polyester fabric.
Responses so far have been mixed.
"Supporting the Muslim Hijab is supporting the enslavement of women ... " one tweet said in protest. "Will Nike provide male guardians so that hijabis can go out for a job?" echoed another. On the other hand, some see these expanded options as messages of inclusion.
"Thank you American Eagle for encouraging young America to follow their passions, express their individuality and pursue their unique paths," Aden posted on her Instagram account, along with a video from the fall denim campaign. The move also suggests some growth for American Eagle, which in 2008 denied a 17-year-old a job because she wore a black head scarf to the interview. The company claimed it violated its "look policy."
American Eagle and Nike have shown their respective hijabs on actual Muslim women. Last year, Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana was criticized for featuring its premier collection of hijabs on light-skinned models.
It's no surprise, though, that more brands are paying attention to Muslim women. Fortune named them "the next big untapped fashion market," referencing a Thomas Reuters report's prediction that their spending is expected to exceed $484 billion by 2019.
Style on 08/08/2017