SHUKR Interview

Here's an exclusive interview with SHUKR founder, Anas Sillwood, and Head Designer, Tabassum Siddiqui! Okay, it's a bit long, but if you're as big a fan as I am you'll understand why I had so many questions!

ModestFlair: Assalamu Alaykum! We’re very honored to talk with two of the people from SHUKR who are responsible for making so many Muslim women feel comfortable and confident!

Anas Sillwood: It’s our pleasure. SHUKR was established largely to provide a service to the Muslim communities living in the West, and it is gratifying to hear that Muslim women (and men) are benefiting from the service.

MF: Before we focus on design, can you tell us briefly what’s going on with SHUKR as a company? Which of us can expect retail stores in our neighborhoods soon?

AS: SHUKR started off on a shoestring budget and has grown slowly and organically into a reasonably successful medium-size business. We have great plans for the future – major expansion of the type and variety of products we offer, physical retail shops in most major cities in the world where there is a substantial Muslim population, an entry into the modest clothing market under a different brand name to appeal to a wider market etc. – but we are currently held back by lack of adequate financing. We are in the process, therefore, of finding equity investors and as soon as we do we will move to the first stage of our expansion plan which is to open a flagship SHUKR store in London, England.

MF: Are there any plans to branch out new lines of clothing in the near future?

AS: We are interested in providing more variety in our existing casual styles – higher quality materials, with more variety in fabric types and finishes, including prints – and exploring the possibilities of maternity and nursing clothing, wedding wear, and prayer outfits

MF: Would you ever consider developing a line of modest sports or swimwear?

AS: Yes, we have thought about this for a long time, but are limited by the fabrics currently easily at our disposal. We will, very shortly, be offering a basic line of modest sportswear made from knitted cotton and cotton blends, but not highly active-wear sports gear or swimming wear which requires specialist, high-performance fabrics.

MF: We’ve learned that the creative mind behind SHUKR designs is now head-designer Tabassum Siddiqui. Tabassum, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to work at SHUKR?

Tabassum Siddiqui: It’s such a long story! When I was introduced to Imam Dawood Yasin via telephone, I was working in New York City at the time for the famed Spanish designer Miguel Adrover on his Spring show for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I think at that point I heard very little about SHUKR. I had done my studies at Parsons School of Design and before and after my studies I had worked with various designers and design companies from California, to New York, to Spain, as well as showing my own work in a couple of galleries in New York. I knew that at some point I wanted to design clothes for Muslims, but at the time there weren’t any Muslim clothing companies and beyond that Islamic clothing companies that actually thought about design seriously they way that other non-Muslim companies do. In the meantime, I focused on gaining as much experience as I could from the fashion industry, but then it got to the point that I felt that my Islam would be compromised especially in the scene where I was working. Alhamdulillah, it was just then when my friend introduced me to SHUKR.

MF: Shukr is known for its casual styles. Is it more difficult coming up with new casual styles every season, as opposed to a designer who can create within a wider range of styles?

Tabassum Siddiqui: I think for any designer, regardless of the company that they work for whether it is their own label or for another company, there are always a host of challenges with every season. All designers are faced with limitations when designing from financial concerns, to what fabrics are available, to what the customer wants; but then some of the most interesting styles come out of these daunting constraints because one is forced to find a solution out of what is available to them.

MF: Shukr clothing is unique in that most of it is made of 100% cotton, which makes it extremely comfortable and easy to care for. Is it, however, challenging or limiting to design with cotton?

TS: I won’t lie, it has been difficult at times, and alhamdulillah recently I have been able to work with other types of fabrics and introduce new colors to the SHUKR lines for men and women. But like what I had said before, although these restrictions do pose challenges to me, these limitations prove to be the parameters that guide my work, thought process, and I find myself to be more creative. The basis of what a designer does is solving problems. So, for example, when I am only given cotton to work with, a tight color palette, a certain price range, a time frame, knowing that these clothes must be modest, and that I have to show something new each season; it forces me to scratch for ideas in the most unusual places to produce really good original work.

MF: Where do you plan to go with color in the upcoming fall and winter seasons?

TS: For me, I tend to go for bolder color palettes or colors that are not usually associated with the four seasons. For example, our Spring/Summer collection, instead of soft pastels, we had rich bold colors influenced from a trip to Turkey and the research I did on the Silk Route. This upcoming winter season will take on slightly subtle hues and tones with touches of unusual colors which were inspired by a handful of beautiful seashells that I had found on the beach in Spain on an overcast day. So for example, some of the new colors for this season will be blue grays, whites, grays with purple undertones, and concha.

MF: Can you give us a hint of any surprises being planned this year?

TS: I think winter is by far the best season for Muslims because I can speak for myself in that I sometimes dread when summer comes around! So with this in mind and that winter is all about layers and taking the inspiration of the coast, I have included designs that reflect the coastal life. For example, I made sure to include some great coats, new takes on ponchos and sweaters, and pieces that were feminine, a bit edgy, sophisticated, and lots of great essential pieces for layering or adding to any wardrobe.

AS: There are some exceptional pieces included in our Ramadan and Eid collections. The Ramadan collection is now up on our websites and hopefully you will find it has a number of eye-catching designs. Our Eid collection will be up, inshaAllah, at the beginning of Ramadan, and it contains an even greater number of one-off, head-turning designs. Stay tuned!

MF: Thank you so much for your time Brother Anas and Tabassum. We hope to speak with you again!

AS: Thank you for setting up such a great website which serves the Muslims by helping them find and choose modest clothing.

Kuwaiti, Mona, or Twister Hijab?

Are you confused yet? Here's a look at three similar styles that have gained popularity in recent years. These are all one-piece hijabs that give you a two-piece look.


Kuwaiti Hijab

You guessed it. Kuwaiti hijabs orginated in none other than...Kuwait! And of-course the trend moved outwards from there. A Kuwaiti hijab consists of an under-scarf portion and a shawl portion, but is technically a one-piece hijab because one end of the shawl is attached to the under-scarf at the neck. It can then be wrapped around the head and pinned in place, or wrapped around the neck as shown below. This image is from alhannah.com.






Mona Hijab


The Mona hijab is said to be a spin-off of the Kuwaiti hijab, simply because it also consists of an under-scarf and shawl that are sewn together. The difference is that the shawl on the Mona is sewn to the under-scarf at the top, from ear to ear, not under the neck. There is only one wearing option, and yes, you still have to pin the other end of the shawl in place. But you never have to worry about the shawl slipping off your head. Find the largest selection on eBay. This image is from the eBay seller "Hijab Chic".






Twister Hijab

Now, on the Twister hijab, both ends of the shawl are attached to the under-scarf, so it hangs in front of you in a loop when you first put it on. You give the loop a twist from the front, place it on your head, and leave it to drape elegantly around your face (you’ll need to pin somewhere so it doesn’t slide off). Too fancy for your taste? You could wrap the twisted loop around your neck instead. This image is from hijablady.com.

H!JAB - The Missing Pieces

Article submitted by:Abeer A., owner of Queendom-Hijabs.com - offering H!jabs for L!fe

H!jab. Yes, I think the word very much deserves an exclamation! The hijab undoubtedly represents modesty, and is an expression of faith for the Muslim female who chooses to wear it. However, there is a staggering inconvenience that women face when looking for hijabs suited to their tastes and needs.The case is especially frustrating for the active Muslim woman looking for an athletic hijab.

Muslim women who play sports need special designs to choose from. Muslim clothing stores have neglected the active Muslim woman who needs a hijab that will move with her, keep her cool, comfortable, and match her athletic wear.

The hijab has not only been missing in athletic wear, but also in seasonal wear. We have coats, pants and tops specially designed for each season, so why should hijabs be any different? I'm from Canada, a place notorious for its chilly winters. Here, people wear jackets consisting of wind-breakers lined with fleece. Why not extend this idea to the hijab, instead of awkwardly wearing hats on top of the hijab?The specialty hijab has been missing in the market, but designers are beginning to fill this gap with creative and practical designs for every need.

Islam is the fastest growing religion, and the variety of hijabs should grow with it!

7 Ways to Get the Layered Look

Muslim gals can change up their looks every season too! Here's 7 ways to get the layered look that's so popular this fall.

1. SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRT OVER A LONG TUNIC This is a casual look that's great for younger Muslimahs. Make sure to choose shirts that are feminine, cute, and that match the outfit, so you don't look sloppy.This top from Theabayastore.com makes layering even simpler by attaching the two layers together.TheHijabShop.com has short-sleeved shirts sewn over jilbabs to get a similar look.

2. 3/4 INCH SLEEVED SHIRT OVER DRESS/JILBAB The key to getting this right is picking a very simple jilbab or dress, like this one (above), and pairing it with a coordinating 3/4 sleeved shirt.Choose a short, patterned shirt for a funky look, or a long, sleek shirt.Here's a great example of what's great about layering: you can use the same basic under-layers and create endless different outfits by changing up the top layers!

3. SHORT JACKET OVER LONG TUNIC OR DRESS Short jackets are everywhere this season. SHUKR's got one, and it comes in colors to match the rest of their clothing.Pick a feminine jacket - one with a scoop neck, rounded collar, even slightly puffed sleeves. Wide sleeves and cuffs will work better than tight sleeves and button-up cuffs. Choose a color that you can match with several tunics and dresses. Black is a great choice!With a tunic, this look is casual chic; with a wider dress or jilbab, try leaving the buttons undone.

4. JUMPER OVER LONG SLEEVED SHIRT Here's a cute way to layer! Invest in a great jumper, like this one from SHUKR and see how many different outfits you can come up with just by changing the shirt and hijab.If you want a denim jumper, go for a dark colored denim. That's a much more updated look than classic blue denim.

5. SWEATERS! Yaye! Sweater season has begun! Get ready for fall by picking some unique, chic sweaters to layer on top of all of your outfits.If you can only afford one expensive item this season, consider a beautiful sweater.Look for wide, open collars to tuck your hijabs into, and feminine details like fringe and belts, like this one from RebirthofChic.com. Remember, sweaters should be feminine, not make you look frumpy!

6. LAYERING SCARVES Now that the weather's cooling down, try layering thin scarves together.The perfect scarf for layering is a weave scarf like this from RebirthofChic.com. By itself, it would be too transparent, but paired with another shawl, it adds texture and style to a classic wrap.

7. DOUBLE BANDED AL AMIRA It's a simple addition to the Al Amira hijab that we all know, but it adds a lot of style.Try adding an extra headband, stretch-lace, or small accessory scarf in-between your Al Amira under-scarf/cap and the outer hijab.Have some fun with layering and who knows - you may come up with a new trend!