A sneak peek to Islamic Design House's New Spring Line 2013

Very soon Islamic Design House will be releasing their new, greatly improved website along with their new Spring Line collection. Recently, I was sent an April catalogue of their new Spring 2013 collection. There are many edgy and trendy jilbabs/abayas, with more nursing-friendly designs. Love them! And for future collection, the team behind Islamic Design House are working to provide a larger selection of plus-sized jilbabs/abayas.

Above are a few snaps from the catalogue of some of the designs I found most appealing to me.. You can see the complete collection very soon in their new website! :)

What do you think? Do you like Islamic Design House's new designs above? Do you have any suggestion for their future designs?

Click here to see the latest collection of Islamic Design House, and use the code: FASHFAITH to get 10 % OFF your purchase on the website.

Related post: My review on their abaya-coat.

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Posted in: Abaya,Hijab Style,Islamic Clothing Shops,Islamic Design House,Sneak Peek,Spring 2013

Islamic Design House's Abaya-Coat/Jacket-Jilbab [Product Review - and a voucher code!]

I've known Islamic Design House Muslim clothing since months ago for its edgy style and its great abaya/jilbab design competition. Then while back ago, the team behind this amazing brand offering me to choose one of abayas/jilbabs from their latest collection. I was so thrilled and excited, and I have a hard time to pick just one from their wide range of gorgeous abayas.

One of their abayas/jilbabs that caught my eyes is the abaya-coat, or we can call it, a jacket-jilbab. Not only because the tailored abaya that appear as long overcoat is one of the new stylistic trends nowadays, but also I love the colour and the multifunction it has. So, I picked this fabulous abaya-coat from Islamic Design House.

Not long after I sent my size, it arrived.

I just can't wait to open the package. The abaya was wrapped in a neat package tied up with a purple paper bow.. I ripped open the package, and the first thing I saw is the colour. The colour is perfect, my favorite colour for a staple piece.. and I really want to make this abaya my wardrobe-staple :)

The tag has a lovely little saying..

Then I opened the folds, and pull up the abaya.. it's so perfect! I love the design and the fabric. The buttons go down the side of the abaya. I love the oversized collar/lapels that drops down and the double-breasted style giving the abaya a trench-coat structure. The stitching is neat. The fabrics aren't cheap, the abaya feels soft, comfortable, and drape beautifully. The fabric's materials are cotton twill and jersey from elbow down.



There's also a flap inside around the chest area to keep everything closed.



Although the abaya belongs to Islamic Design House's 'Winter Classic' collection, I'm pretty sure that this abaya is also can be worn in Spring or even Summer, surely with no layering-stuffs addition.

When I looked at this abaya, many different ways to wear it just popping out in my mind.. ;)

But firstly, I want to talk about its size. I ordered size: S-54, but they also asked for the alternative size, perhaps just in case the size I ordered is out of stock. Based on that, finally they sent the size S-56 for me.

As a whole, this abaya fits me well.. I love it! The skirt is a bit too long, but I can "trick" this out by wearing heels, or perhaps someday I will hemming it up to adjust my height :) The sleeves length also a bit too long, but it doesn't matter, because I just roll them up and I love it more with the sleeves rolled up :)

So, I think the size S-54 would have been the exact size for me.

When it comes the time to "test drive" this abaya.. First, I wear it the way it is, as.. an abaya.




Then I tried to wear it with my red converse and the matching pashmina.



And because it has a slightly trench-coat design, I tried to accessorize it with a cloth-belt, just like on the trench coat. If you like, you can accessorize it with various belt-style.

Then I wear it as a long coat.

Do you have another idea to style up this kind of abaya? ;)

It's really worth it to have an abaya from Islamic Design House, this abaya-coat in particular. The PLUS from this abaya:
- It has pockets on the side. The pockets are quite deep and wide.. Love them!

- It's high in quality.
- Soo wearable!

As for sizing, the size chart is pretty accurate. Islamic Design House also offers three different fits: slim, regular, and loose; and few different length options.

Browse the latest Islamic Design House collection here.

And.. last but not least, the exciting news is.. 

The Islamic Design House will be releasing a NEW Spring 2013 line and a new greatly improved website very soon!!

They have sent me a catalogue of a sneak peek to their upcoming collection. InshaAllah I will share a few snaps of some of the designs I found most appealing to me on my next post.

But wait - the best is yet to come!

Readers of FashFaith.com can get a 10 % off their purchase on Islamic Design House's website by simply using this code: FASHFAITH at the check out.

Click here to start shopping now!

Outfit details:

Abaya-coat/Jacket jilbab: Islamic Design House

Unbranded  inner black maxidress (similar here)
Inner scarf, floral scarf, and pashmina: local store

Heels: Shoeka shoes

Red converse: local sport-shoes store

Necklace: Nat's Living

Belt: Centro

Watch: Tommy Hilfiger

Disclaimer: I received this jilbab in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own and I received no other compensation for my review.

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Posted in: Abaya,Coats,Hijab Styling Tips,Islamic Clothing Shops,Islamic Design House,Jacket,Jilbab,Product Reviews

Muslim Women in Sport [plus, list of stores that sell Sport Hijab]

Aquila Style Magazine on April 26, 2013, published an interesting article about Muslim women in Sport: the influences of culture versus religion. This topic has been brought up many discussions and debates around the world amongst the Muslims themself, particularly in Saudi Arabia where female participation in sports has long been a controversial issue. As for me, I've never been bothered about this issue, since I was born and have been grown in a relatively very tolerant country with moderate (typical) Indonesian Muslim, and surrounded by family who love sports, so it never crossed my mind a bit that Islam restricts Muslim women to play sports. I believe Islam encourages sport and other physical activities for all.

The prophet Muhammad is said to have invited his wife Aisha to a foot race.

We can play sport whether it's outdoors or indoors, there are men around or not, recorded by TV camera or not, as long as we guard our modesty. Besides, sport (walking, running, cycling, etc.) is a natural part of our life, isn't it? ;)

Fatima Fakier, the lovely lady who wrote that article, contacted me (before the article was published) and asked me to fill out some questions related to this article she was working at, about Muslim women in Sport, particularly in the context related to the Culture versus Religion. I'm so pleased to fill out the questioner, as I thought this would be a good chance to share some of my opinions on this while being hopeful this would add some insights or "enlightments" on this often divisive issue.

You can read the article here. There are a number Muslim women from around the world she interviewed to get further insight into this topic, including me. I played Hockey and Volleyball when I was in college. Now I do some workouts/fitness, jogging, cycling, and sometimes do fun swimming with my kids.

There are also Ruqayya, a young teenager living in America, wears the hijab and plays basketball.

Kulsoom Abdullah, 37, is an American weightlifter well-known for her successful campaign against the hijab ban in her sport.

Stephanie, an American and 21, is into rock climbing. Sarah, 23 and from the UK, enjoys the crazy sport of roller-derby.

And Mumtaz, who is 35 and lives in Botswana who has a slightly different view. While she is active in sport, she takes extra care to do it in an all-ladies group or with her husband.

Thanks to the fast growth of Muslim fashion these days, many designers and also hijab stores have been designed and sold fabulous, look comfortable and practical covered sportsuits, swimsuits, work-out clothes, headwears, and many active wear for Muslim women. Some of online hijab stores that I know selling sport hijabs are:

• ResportOn, 
• Capsters, 
• Friniggi, 
• Zeena Clothing, 
• Queendom Hijabs, 
• Modest Sea, 
• Bahiya Collections, 
• Burqini, 
• Splash Gear,

and so many more.. Or, you can find these kind of stores in my posts about Sport Hijab here. Indonesian local highstreet hijab-stores, like Karita and Al Fath in Yogyakarta, also sell beautiful covered swimsuits. Zoya, Indonesia Muslim-clothing brand, sell 'Bergo Eropa' that is wearable as a sport hijab or to be worn with glasses.

However, there will always be a need for improvement, innovation, and invention on these 'sport hijabs' in the future, whether it in design or the fabrics being used (bamboo fiber, anyone??) to make them be more comfort and wearable.

If you know any Islamic or non Islamic store which sell covered sport-clothing, swimsuit, or sport hijab, you can add it to the comment section below. Hope it would help people who are looking for covered sport-clothing easily find what they are looking for.

Few other pictures showing off Muslim women in sport from Sadaf Syed's iCover book:





In other physical activities:




(Photo credit: Aquila Style, iCover)

What do you wear when you do sporting activities and where did you get/buy your outfit from? Share with us :)

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Posted in: Islamic Clothing Shops,Photography,Sport Hijab,Thoughts About Modesty

Lovely Pieces

Editorial

Lovely dresses and blazer.. in love with them.

Vika photographed by Marie Zucker for Material Girl magazine spring '13

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Posted in: Editorial,FashFaith's Pick,Fashion and Style

The new protagonist in the 'covered-up' fashion movement: Valentino

The New York Times Style Magazine said that in its recent March 2013 issue..

"Revealing the body beautiful has become a fashion cliché.. Baring it all looks increasingly like yesterday’s trend." 

Valentino, with his Spring and Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection full of elegant edgy covered style, has been called as the new protagonist in bringing up a new sensibility to a wardrobe -- a 'so ancient and out of fashion' word in the mainstream fashion world: modesty. His new modest style has proven that demure need not mean dull.

Valentino Fall 2013 RTW collection

How beautiful is this Fall 2013 collection for Valentino designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli? Classic maxidresses and the simple gowns are updated with delicate embroidery, knit, and exquisite layers of lace, or decorated with lovingly luxurious embellishments or ornate creations, such as the white collars that came in laser-cut leather encrusted with beads.

Just as lovely as these delicate creations is the austere grace this collection is bringing up to -- everything evokes a quiet sense of wonder, beauty in demure.

Tong Liya in Valentino Spring 2013 - 3rd Beijing International Film Festival

(Images credit: Style.com, Photo: Yannis Vlamos/InDigital/GoRunway; & RCFA)

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Posted in: Covered Style,Fall 2013,Maxi Dress,Runway Report,Style Inspiration,Style Note,Valentino

Lively New Fashion Trends for Muslim Women

A Guest Contribution from Nousheen

For those unacquainted with Islamic women’s clothing, jilbabs and abayas are both long, dress-like garments that cover a woman’s body. Either a jilbab or an abaya can be worn over everyday clothing, providing full coverage and creating a modest silhouette.

Some people might find these kinds of coverings to be dowdy or constrictive, but emerging trends in Muslim fashion are proving that these garments can be as individual and unique as the woman wearing them.

Fashion Fighting Famine 2013 Fashion Show, March 31 2013 in Irvine, California.

(Photo: Ritzy Photo)

Fashion designers have recently begun to realize that Muslim women are a huge demographic hungry for gorgeous clothes that fit into their lifestyles. Jilbabs and abayas are cropping up on runways all over the world with beautiful new details and embellishments, proving that haute couture can thrive in Islamic culture.

(Photo: Yannis Vlamos/InDigital/GoRunway)

"Revealing the body beautiful has become a fashion cliché.. Baring it all looks increasingly like yesterday’s trend" (The New York Times Style Magazine, March 19, 2013)

These new styles may help Muslim women living in Western societies to feel more accepted and more fashionable among their peers while also allowing them to express their personalities through clothing in a way that was difficult to achieve in the past.

New Stylistic Trends

One major new trend in the evolution of both jilbabs and abayas is the cut of the garments themselves.

In the past, this apparel has always been loose and free-flowing, with very little shape or form. Modesty is certainly a goal in Muslim women’s wardrobes, but a bit of fine tailoring can add an element of sleek styling without being revealing.

Tailored jilbabs now appear as long overcoats, with a slightly more defined waist area and buttoned lapels. In fabrics like light suede or khaki linen, the glamor factor is present but not overdone.

Long tailored suede coat - HilalPlaza.com

There are also changes in the fit of the skirts of these pieces. Rather than a classically simple straight form, designers are adapting the skirts to feel more feminine.

Additions such as a longer train provide just as much coverage as the jilbabs of the past but allow the fabric to swirl around the legs gracefully.

Semi-pleated skirt with buckles - HilalPlaza.com

Tiered ruffles along the skirt are also growing in popularity. In colored lace, these ruffles give off an almost flamenco-like vibe.

Tiered ruffles dress - Marchesa Fall 2013 RTW

(Photo: Stefano Masse/InDigital/GoRunway)

Finishing Touches

Intricate adornments are another way that jilbabs and abayas are becoming highly personalized.

Floral embroidery around the hem of the skirt and sleeve can transform a jilbab from plain to luxurious, and this style is readily available for women of all budgets.

Long sleeve floral embroidered gown by Valentino - Fall 2013 RTW

For dressier occasions, look for jilbabs and abayas adorned with detailed beading along the bodice, lending a regal elegance to the wearer. Adding bead work or embroidery might even be an easy task for a woman who is handy with her own sewing machine.

Saudi black abaya with fancy circular beads - HilalPlaza.com

Another way to dress up jilbabs and abayas is with trim along the sleeves or hems in brightly colored or metallic fabrics.

A black abaya with sleeves adorned with bright pink edges is a subtle standout, as are jilbabs incorporating gold or silver closure ties.

Fashion Fighting Famine 2013 Fashion Show, March 31 2013 in Irvine, California.

(Photo: Ritzy Photo)

A beautiful collar can also be added to both jilbabs and abayas without detracting from their function. Over-sized collars give off a cool, retro image, while a daintier collar bespeaks a gentler femininity.

The embroidered white fall collar and the intricate sleeves' detailing - Valentino Fall 2013 RTW

(Photo:  Gianni Pucci & Yannis Vlamos/InDigital/GoRunway)

The message is clear that jilbabs and abayas are quickly joining the ranks of high-fashion women’s clothing. Rather than being seen as boring, these pieces should be viewed as blank canvases that can be imbued with all of the identity and charm of the lovely ladies who put them on.

Creative Islamic women will always find a way to infuse their own essence into their wardrobes, and this season is sure to bring a new wave of exquisite new trends which do just that.

Nousheen works as a content specialist at HilalPlaza.com, a site that offers Islamic Clothing. 

(Images, credit: Hilal Plaza, Style.com, FashionFightingFamine; inserted by Rania)

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Posted in: Abaya,Fall 2013,FFF 2013 Fashion Show,Hilal Plaza,Islamic Clothing Shops,Jilbab,Marchesa,Muslim Fashion,Runway Fashion,Trends,Valentino