Malaysian Fabric Heritage

Tudung Style 1:

	Step 1. Place a kain jersey, lycra or spandex about 1.25 meters in length, over your head with one side longer than the other, as seen in the picture.
	Step 2. Fold back the scarf behind the nape/neck so the two edges meet together.
	Step 3. Using a safety pin, pin the two edges together behind the back of the neck.
	Step 4. This picture shows the front view of step 3. When pinning behind the neck, make sure the front of the scarf has a smooth finish and is a comfortable fit.
	Step 5. Take the longer end of the scarf and start to bring round under the chin.
	Step 6. Continue to take the scarf up round to the other side. You may have to adjust the rest of the scarf around the shoulders a little so that it wraps round smoothly.
	Step 7. Here is a side view of step 6. This will help understand step 7 more clearly.
	Step 8. This picture shows how the scarf has been brought round to the opposite side.
	Step 9. Adjust the scarf so it falls evenly around your shoulders, you may also have to finger comb the the scarf at the forehead so no creases show on the front part of the scarf. Once everything is to your satisfaction, pin the top scarf to the part around the neck.
	Step 10. Front view of step 9. Once the scarf has been pinned, you can adjust the scarf a little more until you’re happy with the way it looks.

Tudung Style 2:

	Step 1. Place a kain jersey, lycra or spandex about 1.25 – 1.5 meters in length, over your head with one side longer than the other, as seen in the picture.
	Step 2. Fold back the scarf behind the nape/neck so the two edges meet together.
	Step 3. Using a safety pin, pin the two edges together behind the back of the neck.
	Step 4. This picture shows the front view of step 3. When pinning behind the neck, make sure the front of the scarf has a smooth finish and is a comfortable fit.
	Step 5. Take about 20cm from the longer end of the scarf and start to bring it up towards the top of the head, near the center.
	Step 6. Using a pin, secure the edge of the hijab to the top of the head. Make sure it is pinned in the center of the head or slightly over to the other side. This ensures the ends can’t be seen when style is completed. Another point to note, for slippery fabrics such as chiffon and georgette, pin well over past the centre and over to the other side of the head, this will ensure the hijab stays firmly in place as arranged.
	Step 7. Pick up the hjab from where it was pinned in step 6. Start to bring the scarf back down towards the chin.
	Step 8. Continue to bring the scarf round under the chin…..
	Step 9. …..and to the other side.
	Step 10. Continue to bring up and over the head toward where the scarf was pinned in step 6.
	Step 11. Pin the edge of the scarf just over where it was pinned in step 6. Alternatively, the pin can be taken out and both edges pinned together. Ensure the bottom edge stays under and is covered by the top layer.
	Step 12. This shows how the hijab looks at the back.
	Step 13. Take the scarf along the fold on the left hand side and pull it forward to the right side. This is why it was mentioned in step 6 that slippery scarves should be pinned past the center otherwise this fold will keep falling back.
	Step 14. Final step, now take the right side of the hijab and bring it up and over the bottom layer.
	Step 15. You can adjust the scarf at the front and back a little more until you’re happy with the way it looks.

Tudung Style 3:

This tudung / hijab style is the same as can be seen on the model previously above. A very clean and smart style which we are sure will be very popular. And to all those customers who emailed us for this style, you’re more than welcome

	Step 1. Place a kain jersey, lycra or spandex about 1.25 meters in length, over your head with one side longer than the other, as seen in the picture.
	Step 2. Fold back the scarf behind the nape/neck so the two edges meet together.
	Step 3. Using a safety pin, pin the two edges together behind the back of the neck.
	Step 4. This picture shows the front view of step 3. When pinning behind the neck, make sure the front of the scarf has a smooth finish and is a snug but comfortable fit.
	Step 5. Take the longer end of the scarf from behind the neck and start to bring it up towards the top of the head, making sure the edge remains near the front part of the head. Adjust the rest of the scarf as neccessary to help if needed.
	Step 6. Continue to bring the scarf around, making sure to iron out any creases with your finger.
	Step 7. Continue to bring round under the chin. You will have to adjust the rest of the scarf as you complete these steps so that the finish remains crease free.
	Step 8. Continue to bring the scarf round under the chin…..
	Step 9. …..and to the other side.
	Step 10. Pin into place on the side of the head or under the ear, your preference entirely.
	Step 11. Or if you prefer a completely clean look at the front as in this picture, you can also pin toward the back of the head. Please see step 12.
	Step 12. If you prefer the look in step 11, this is roughly where you can pin the tudung / hijab into place. Once the tudung / hijab has been pinned, adjust the scarf at the front and back until you’re happy.

Mona Tudung / Hijab:

	Step 1. Place the mona hijab onto the head, if layering with a lace band, add that on first as shown in the picture. For easy fitting, find the peak/front part of the hijab and slide the underscarf over the head, ensuring that the ‘peak’ stays at the front. Similar to how you would wear a one piece al-amira hijab (without the attached shayla).
	Step 2. With a mona hijab, one side of the shayla is always longer than the other. Take the longer part of the attached shayla and bring it round under the chin….
	Step 3. …..over the head,
	Step 4. ..and to the opposite side. Pin into place. There you have it, the perfect hijab look with the minimum of fuss!

Velcro Tudung / Hijab:

	Step 1. First image shows how the elastic velcro is connected to the ends of the front part of the hijab.
	Step 2. The velcro ends are taken to the back of the nape and fastened at the back of the neck, giving a clean secure fit.
	Step 3. For a simple finish, one end of the hijab can be placed over one shoulder.
	Step 4. Following on from the last image, the other end is placed over the other shoulder. This can also be pinned at the back of the head for a more secure finish with a hijab pin.

Turban Style Bonnets:

	Step 1. Centre ruched portion on head.
	Step 2. Take sides to the back of the head and bring each side round to the front on the opposite shoulder.
	Step 3. Fold sides and swing around head.
	Step 4. Let it overlap in the centre, proceed alternating sides until no more fabric is left.
	Step 5. Tuck excess parts underneath. As an alternative, tuck one end in and bring the other round to the front and pin up at the side, below the ear. Or add a shayla/scarf and drape as you wish on the turban.

Tags: Muslim hijab, Tudung, diy, fabric handicrafts, fashion trends by
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Writing and article, complements of Rushdina.

My name is Rushdina, I’m 27 years old and from Malaysia. I am an architect, but also do some modelling part time.

My Style

As an architect, I’m under a lot of time constraints. So I need to wear something simple, yet elegant! I will always go with trousers, even if I am wearing a short dress. This kind of outfit will always allow me to move quickly and easily at work.

Out of office hours and during weekends, I usually choose to wear a white shirt and jeans, which I’ll match with my sport shoes or wedges. I would love to wear high heels, and I have no choice in wearing 5″ high heels during runway shows. But believe me, heels will sometimes kill you and are terrible for your body posture. So, wedges are the best for me!

As for accessories…this is the best part! (Do handbags count?) I love to match my handbag to my outfit, and I love to wear necklaces and bangles too.

For my career as an architect, black will always be elegant. But I’d rather choose warmer colours for myself because they suit my skin tone. Remember – do not be afraid of wearing colour, but learn to choose the right color for your skin tone.

Top Tips

As for me, there are two things:

1- Don’t be afraid to mix and match
2- Don’t be afraid of colour, but learn how to manipulate it

Style yourself and prove yourself; even Muslimahs dare to be styled!

Tags: Muslim hijab, Tudung, fashion trends, personality by
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In the recently concluded Islamic Fashion Festival 2009 in Jakarta from 25-26 May, as many as 18 fashion designers participated to showcase their designs to the world. However, the most proud happening in the event is; these fashion designers are from Malaysia and Indonesia. Unbelievable but true!

My comments, it is definitely a world class show befitting the international showcase.

Feast your sight on what I term as absolutely my favorite for the year, sequenced by respective designers’ name:

Tom Abang Saufi:

Khoon Hooi:

Rudy Chandra:

Ghea Panggabean:

Defrico Audi:

Arifan Mas:

Atim Agoy:

Lia Alif:

Hajaba:

Malik Moestaram:

Khadani:

Rudy Chandra:

Ian Adrian:

Lenny Agustin:

Images courtesy of: Reuters and Getty Images

To the fashion designers, Syabas! To the models, gracias!

Tags: Muslim hijab, Tudung, fashion showcase, fashion trends, festival, wedding gowns by
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Having searched and found a rather old article (imagine in 2004) from The Age, Australia, I am rather impressed that the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week actually featured this catwalk event. I am impressed that even back then, the Islamic fashion glamour has set standards beyond my imagination. The combination of fabrics with cultural and traditional fashion designing techniques and the use of creative pattern cuttings reflected a truly Malay religio-custom manifestation. Of course, the credit goes to Designer Iva Lativah. Her skills are expressed explicitly within the limited allowance of what a Muslim outfit is deemed appropriated. That is truly art and religion blending in harmony.

Within the stodgy silhouette of Muslim dress, there appears little room for innovation. No necklines to plunge, slots to add, no hemlines to hike or waistlines to kink. That hasn’t discouraged increasing numbers of fashion designers from tackling the ultimate challenge, however.

The straight-up-and-down featurelessness of the typical Muslim gown is in fact, the ideal canvas for a play of colours, textures, and patterns.

Designer Iva Lativah showed this heavenly foursome during Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, and defied the oxymoron, Islamic glamour.

Silk satin was quilted and cut into a boxy jacket that fell wide over a slimmer, but still generous skirt. Sheer black gauze was used as an overlay on brilliantly coloured and patterned kimono coats, and the graphic weave and prints on fine silks were used as headscarves, in block panels for tabard frocks, or as light stoles hooked through the models elbows.

Lovely stuff.

Tags: Muslim hijab, Touching story, Uncategorized, fashion trends, festival, mother's day, personality, special day, sports wear by
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Arzu Kuafor is an exceptional fashion designer of the hijab/tudung from Turkey. His fashion boutique offers elegant to outlandish hijab designs for female Muslims who want hijab wears with a difference.

Arzu Kuafor is a true niche marketer, daring to go beyond the normal to attract and also keep his existing clientele who desire and appreciate creative styling. Looking at his work, one wonders what great works of art he has created with fabrics and how he manages to manifest culture and religious practice, customs and traditions into acceptable great art pieces.

If you care to observe his creations in detail, you will learn to appreciate how he so cleverly embeds pearl necklaces and emphasizing add-on mini organza scarfs into his work of beauty. This is where he scores all the “firsts” into making the hijab an attractive fashion piece and headgear to complement the wear and the lady. On up for Turkey!

See what I mean by refreshing and never dull from here;

Tags: Muslim hijab, Tudung, fashion trends by
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Yippee! school hols are here again …. beginning 30 May 2009.

Time to plan for trips, outings and events with friends. Maybe a picnic to the beach with friends to cool off from the hot day too with the winds on your face and hair. Ya, it time to do something different and fill the day with fun and friendship. Good to renew relationship with relatives we don’t see so often as we do our school friends. This must be running in the minds of all teenage boys and girls during this time.

If you are a Muslim girl and is looking to do something unusual this coming school holidays, here is an idea worth your consideration. And it is fun, what more it makes you much prettier too to the admiration of your male relatives when you visit them. Give it a go.

This is also a season of heat wave, so it will be ideal to think of a maxi cool hot weather dress to stay comfortable and relaxed. For that I will pick a cotton maxi spaghetti stripe dress. The rich berry shades make it perfect for anything from lounging on the beach to strolling around sightseeing, and of course visiting friends or relatives. Add a purple bolero to cover up the arms and a graduated purple hijab to complement the color scheme. Simple accessories like gladiator sandals, wooden bangles and a canvas bag finish off a comfortable yet stylish holiday outfit as illustrated below. Presto, you are now at the world’s attention and still maintain your female modesty:

Pictures courtesy of http://hijabstyle.blogspot.com

Have a happy holiday experimenting, but please remember to finish your homework too.

Tags: Muslim hijab, Tudung, fashion trends, hot season wear, summer wear by
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The Malay culture and traditions are mostly colorful, elaborate and custom biased. And when I claim, Malays are an artistic lot, I joke not. Especially, if you observe the culture and traditions from the fabric fashion point of view. If you care to look deeply the details put into the designs of the wedding gown, the fringes of the lace and frill of the fringes plus fold of the scarf (tudung), I am truly amazed!

Traditionally, weddings are so tied to kain songket like it is a norm. Fashion follows social trends and as much as Malay cultures and traditions are difficult to change, there is now a growing trend to modernize fabric use and bring traditional pattern designs to a more modern outlook, yet maintaining and blending with the traditional Malay customs of dressing.

Here, wedding gowns and dresses of modern Malaysian see such a refreshing change in style and cutting designs. My comment is such that some of the most beautiful outfits came as a result of such modernistic adaptions. Of course, moving away from traditional fabric of songket and using other alternative source of available fabric, the Malay wedding is seeing such wonderful transformation  unfolding right here in Malaysia.

So if you’re looking for something modest yet glamorous and a little different from the standard gowns, these should provide some ideas.

Displayed below are just a selection of gorgeous photos of Malay brides on their special day. I wonder who the “King of the Day” is? Can you pick a favourite?

Click on the images to browse more:

Tags: Muslim hijab, Tudung, fashion trends, special day, wedding gowns by
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Cindy van den Bremen works as a Sports Fashion Contextual Designer and Creative Advisor. She works both on assignment as well as on her own initiative. She has designed a line of sports caps under the label Capsters www.capsters.com, which won a Good Design Award.

What is thoroughly interesting about her work is that she designs Sports Fashion wears based on veiling or what the Muslims called hijab. In Malaysia, this industry is still totally new. But of late in the NYtimes.com we read as follows;

Nike Helps Create a Sporty Hijab

Maria Palma

March 23, 2006

I love it when companies think about the community and become nike hijab involved globally in humanitarian efforts. It’s one thing to make money, but it’s another thing to make money and give back to the community.

Take Nike – they’re working with the United Nations to provide young refugee women in Kenya uniforms in the fashion of hijabs so that they can play volleyball more comfortably. The hijab is the traditional dress of muslim women that covers their head and is draped over their bodies.

Nike sent designers to Dadaab, Kenya to help the girls with the design of the volleyball uniform. The designers are showing them how to sew the outfits themselves. Nike will be donating material to make several hundred uniforms.

Source: NYTimes.com

Well, all said and done, clothing and fashion is not hindrance to anyone who love sports and wanted to excel in it. The Muslim world is making great and wonderful progress in the world of sports as well. This is where Cindy van den Bremen works come to play. Below are some of her creation and contribution to the Muslim ladies who takes sports and outdoor activities seriously.

Aerobics

Surf

Outdoor

Tennis

It is encouraging to see appropriate attire for Muslim ladies to wear for sports activities. It is also, from now, no excuse that sports cannot be an enjoyable activity for anyone who profess any faith. Kudos to Cindy van den Breme.

Tags: Muslim hijab, Tudung, sports wear by
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