Taqwa Aquil is the owner and designer behind TAQWA IMAN (http://www.taqwaiman.com/ $5, $10, $15, and $25 coupons - available NOW!)
MF: Wa Salaam Alaikum Sister Taqwa,
Wa Alaikum As Salaam.
MF: Tell us a little about yourself before you entered the fashion industry and how you’ve grown since then?
Taqwa Aquil: Prior to entering the fashion world, I was like most Muslim girls. I was in college pursuing a Bachelors degree in Psychology and working part-time to support my education and extra-curricular activities (i.e. movies, food, hanging out with friends). Between school and work, I was outside a good deal and needed clothing that allowed me to be confident, comfortable with who I was, chic, and of course modest. Unfortunately, this was in the late 90's and modest clothing choices that fit this description were very few. Unlike today, there were not that many modest clothing stores online and offline regular retailers like Target or the Gap were not selling the tunics or long skirts that they sometimes carry now. If you wanted something modest you often had to buy a big shirt from the men's department or wear items that were two-sizes to big. So, out of frustration, I started making my own clothing. AlhumduAllah, I soon began to get a lot of compliments from Muslim and non-Muslim women on my clothing and realized that I was not the only one frustrated with the lack of clothing choices available to modest dressers. So, I decided that I would not only make clothing for myself, but for other women who struggled as I did. And that is how TAQWA IMAN started :)
MF: Have you always dressed modestly? Did that choice inspire your designs?
Taqwa Aquil: AlhumduAllah, I have always dressed modestly. Even as a young girl, my mother made sure we wore pants under our dresses. My sisters and I hated wearing long skirts while other girls wore shorts, but now we appreciate how our mother took time to instill in us certain morals and beliefs. Dressing modest for such a long time has also allowed me to really understand my customers. From the beach to working at a fortune 500 company, I have been able to put together modest outfits that are chic and appropriate for whatever setting I was in. I know the importance of building a clothing line that fits our everyday lives.
MF: Your designs are chic, sophisticated, and stylish. Which piece of your collection is your favorite design and what's the process it took you to make it?
Taqwa Aquil: I absolutely LOVE the TAQWA IMAN Linen Skirt. In the "outfits" section on www.TaqwaIman.com you can see two different ways to wear the skirt, however, in actuality there are countless ways to wear this skirt. The style, design, and color allow this skirt to be truly versatile. It can be mixed with so many different colored tops, jackets, sweaters, blazers, and accessories (i.e. pastels, denims, blues, rusts, whites, lavenders, etc). It can be dressed up or down. Worn on the weekend or to work. It can even be worn in the summer and straight into fall. It is the perfect skirt for a women who loves to stretch her wardrobe with wearable workable pieces.
MF: What is the most popular design on your website right now?
Taqwa Aquil: The Summer Days Floral Tunic. It is lightweight, comfortable, vibrant and subtle at the same time. With the floral print and colors, you honestly feel a little happier when you wear the tunic. Its a little ray of sunshine with a lot of style :)
MF: We would love if you share your favorite Beauty or Fashion tip with us!
Taqwa Aquil: Dress for yourself and be yourself. Everyone has their own sense of style. Some women think that they cannot put together a chic outfit and this is not true. Putting together a great outfit is about knowing what works for YOUR body type, YOUR personality, and YOUR overall look. And always remember that clothing should make you feel good. If you are wearing something that doesn't make you feel confident and happy with yourself, then it probably is the wrong outfit for YOU.
Later on today I will be announcing a winner for a Scarf that Taqwa Iman has kindly offered to giveaway I'A!
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