The Islamic fashion capital of the world

Ramadan offers a great opportunity to get away. And many from the Gulf like to visit East, especially places like Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. One thing that KL is doing differently is fashion. Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi have tried to put their stamp on fashion, but KL is putting its own stamp on it. Discover the beauty of modesty!

If fashion is your thing, then November is the next time to visit as Kuala Lumpur has set itself up as the Islamic fashion capital of the world with its annual flagship event, Islamic Fashion Week, now traipsing the world everywhere from Abu Dhabi to Astana, Bandung, Dubai, Singapore, New York, London and Monte Carlo,

Portrait of a girl. Pic: D Sharon Pruitt, Wikimedia Commons.

While it’s probably no surprise that Malaysia, a more moderate Islamic nation where women can show their face, started the event their key slogan is in keeping with Islamic beliefs: "Discover the Beauty of Modesty".

The event was actually started in response to the events of 911 in an effort to showcase to the world that true nature and beauty of Islam and that there is beauty in a woman’s modest attire.

They also want to inspire individual fashion and entice all people, be they Muslim or not, by the creativity, freshness and artistic styles there are in Islamic fashion.

Women's accessories for sale. Pic: Orrling, Wikimedia Commons.

And it would seem they’ve succeeded as the 2006 event has since proceeded to parts of the world where more liberal dressing is usually the order of the day. This year alone the event will go from London to Manila, Bali and Cannes.

Not only are exhibitions held around the world but the event also incorporates designers from across the Islamic world. To date the IFF has used 250 designers from diverse places like India, Palestine, Singapore, Morocco, Malaysia and Cameroon.

Famous names you might recognise include Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi (Kuala Lumpur), Milo (Bali), Etro (Italy), Biyan (Jakarta) and Zang Toi (New York). If you’re keen to brush up on the most up to date fashions and movements in the Islamic world the key events will take place in Kuala Lumpur this November at the JW Marriott with the theme “Can you feel the love (Africa)”.

We love Malaysia. If you want to find out more, check out the Tourism Malaysia Website . You can also view this blog post in Arabic