#5 "A Makeover for the Hijab, via Instagram"

           Muslim women nowadays are making their own mark in fashion culture. For years the Muslim women have been told that they are unable to be fashionable or stylish because of their hijabs, head scarves that are required to be used in Muslim cultures. Even so, many women have brought upon innovations in fashion for the Muslim girls via social media, such as Instagram. Muslim fashion bloggers, whom show that these girls are able to be fashionable with their hijab, have increased dramatically. They present various ways in styling hijabs and keeping their culture of being conservative. Therefore, many fashion companies have emerged, producing accessories and stylish items specifically for the Muslim women. These changes have encouraged and inspired young Muslim teenagers, whom viewed the hijab as inconvenient, change their opinions and appreciate its beauty. It has made the Muslim women feel more confident. The Muslim women have been viewed as oppressed and pitied because of the strict rules their culture bring upon them in terms on clothing. However, the changes in clothing, small so that no rule is broken, have opened the minds of other viewers, considering these women as not oppressed, but just a part of the Muslim culture. Despite its growth, it has brought upon many discussions and debates on whether this act is defying the laws of the Muslim culture or not. Although it does not exactly follow the rules, this simple act creates a space for Muslim women in the world of fashion, and brings out the confident in these ladies.

           Hannah Seligson, author of this article, writes about the changes in Muslim women in the world of fashion and expresses her thought on it. She clearly supports this act and views it as a way for them to express themselves. Seligson writes the article in a very casual tone, yet displays a strong but subtle like towards this innovation. She gives supporting details for these changes by incorporating the thoughts and opinions of Muslim fashion bloggers and women that are related to fashion. Her tone superficially is neutral, but it is quite positive and supportive towards the Muslim women. The word choices she uses are easy to understand and the examples and quotes are easily relatable. Overall, Seligson’s article was not only easy to understand, but also very entertaining.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/17/fashion/muslim-women-hijab-style-traditional-garment-fashion.html