Hijab: A Symbol of Freedom, Fashion, and Respect

The use of hijab fashion has been increasingly rising in Indonesia, where the head-covering represents both faith and fashion sense. Wearing hijab is common in Indonesia, where 97% of the population is Muslim. Many famous fashion designers from the country took part in the fest, held at Bandung, West Java. It was Indonesia’s first Hijab national fest, highlighting innovative trends in Muslim fashion.

The country itself has influenced the evolution of Hijab and its awareness has increased, surprisingly even among youngsters. They have organized Hijab fest so that no woman would hesitate to wear it merely considering it to be too orthodox, and rather find it stylish and appealing. Prominent Indonesian designers took part, representing various local boutiques and brands, such as Zaskia Mecca, Zemma, Ina’s Scarf, Jenahara, and many more. According to the designers, Hijab culture has motivated them to create innovative works in fashion.

The event was highlighted by music performances, Instagram competition, halal food fest, fashion shows, talk show, and charity program. Many well known people attended the event, including young cleric Abu Marlo, Abdullah Gymnastiar, and writer Muhammad Assad.

This event is a new breakthrough in the fashion world; apart from being good for economy, this fest is very good way to expand the number of Muslim entrepreneurs and hijab fashions. The famous Kivitz clothing’s owner Fitri Aulia, stated that her motivation for being a part of this occasion is to make all women feel look stylish and beautiful, while wearing a head covering.

Yet another designer, Fatyah Dzikra hopes that this event can bring a ripe market for her products. Since Muslims are the biggest population in Indonesia, the culture will continue to grow and hijab industry is booming. Fifi Alvianto, who runs hijab-scarf.com, stated that this fest successfully allowed showing designer’s creativity.

Hijabs protect women and also will gain more respect from men. Though hijabs are considered to be the part of Muslim woman’s identification, it helps with self-control. Nowadays it has become more popular with greater usage of modern design.

Major part of Indonesia is covered by Muslims, but the practice of wearing scarves was banned for most of former president Suharto’s rule. However the suppress was loosened in mid 90s and the older trend was led by youngsters.

Both school going and university students have started wearing headscarves and now most women wear it simply as a trendy way of dressing up. Online sites are tools to fasten the process of making it even more popular, and we hope that things would improve even further over the next one year.