The Wrap-Star Moment

 For a growing number of Muslim women, hijab, besides being a marker of their faith, is also a form of self-expression and identity. While its religious significance remains intact, abayas or hijabs have evolved into a statement of creativity and a reflection of individuality. Increasingly being embraced by the mainstream, it has become an integral part of contemporary fashion. Reena Kausar, a fashion influencer, says, “The abaya is much more versatile today. The purpose of the abaya hasn’t changed. It’s still about modesty, but the way women wear and style it has evolved a lot.”

Abaya, Styled Anew

Until a few years ago, abayas were largely associated with loose-fitting silhouettes in neutral shades, paired with long dresses. However, many hijab-wearing women have transformed abayas into a canvas of personal styling. “Fashion helps me express my personality while still dressing modestly. I enjoy playing with colours, fabrics, and different styles,” says Reena. In doing so, they are actively challenging the long-standing stereotypes and expanding the possibilities of modest fashion without compromising on their faith. Kausar adds, “You don’t have to choose between your faith and your love for fashion when you can have both.”

The New Look

Fearlessly breaking through the walls of restrictive and monotonous fashion, their reimagination does not oppose tradition. It reinterprets the way abayas are styled. Hamna Ayub, an influencer who keeps creating new looks, says, “The styles now are much more about how they want to express themselves, and less about what the traditional look of it meant, and I think it is a great progression.”

Silhouette of Agency

In an era where fashion is the new language of politics, expression, identity and belonging, Abayas have evolved to become a strong medium of defining personal style in one’s own terms. For many, it translates to a sense of agency and autonomy.

As the trend grows, the conversations are shifting towards building new style vocabularies rooted in their lived experiences and beliefs. Hamna says, “The newer styles and designs make women feel included. Now we have options for swimwear, sports abaya, colours, styles. It makes a person feel empowered and more comfortable with what they wear.” Through different abayas, oversized blazers and monochrome silhouette layering, hijab-wearing women are constantly experimenting and creating new style languages.