ZINAH

Growing up in a European village where I naturally stood out due to my race, people treated me differently and saw me differently. Somehow in their ignorant minds, they could not grasp that there are different races in this colourful world and it bewildered them even more when I started wearing the hijab. It was quiet an experience having to face those kind of people, being asked questions I myself didn’t have answers to back then, getting teased by school kids and starred at by strangers. I knew I was different due to my appearance, but I never understood how I was made to feel different due to my character and personality, when in reality I was just like any other average kid. It vexed me how people had the sense to prejudge me due to a piece of cloth before I even opened my mouth. Of course, in due time I have learned that the hijab is more than a mere piece of cloth; it carries symbolism of religion, culture and even lifestyle.

It initially took me some time to get used to wearing the hijab and find ways to wear it that suited me. I experimented with different styles, fabrics and even colours before I found my own way. It was a rather solitary journey, as I didn’t come across many girls wearing the hijab during my time in Switzerland; in fact, besides my sister, I was the only ‘hijabi’ in the whole village and school. Hijab/modest blogs or websites did not exist back then, so I had to use my creativity and imagination when it came to styling the hijab and my outfits. There were a lot of trial and error, but for me, that was the best way to discover my own distinctive style.

All eyes are on me every time I’d step into a room; simply because of my hijab. It always makes me feel like the centre of attention and I’ve learned to use that to my advantage. At one point where being different felt uneasy and uncomfortable, now feels rather emancipating. The hijab makes me feel distinctive, responsible and feminine. I chose to wear the hijab to be visibly Muslim, to associate it with my believes, morals and lifestyle. It makes me feel comfortable knowing I have a sense of direction with it, not only in my personal life but also in my academic and career life. It may sound strange using it almost as a guideline to ones life, but the hijab can be interpreted as simple as a fashion piece or as complex as a religious, sociological and psychological symbol. Either way, I wear it with a positive attitude and intention.

In terms of aesthetics, I love wearing the hijab, it completes every outfit I put on. I prefer wearing neutral, earthy and pastel colours, nothing that overshadows my face or outfit. I don’t particularly always see or wear the hijab as an accessory piece but to compliment and blend in with the rest of my outfit. It really all depends on the occasion and outfit.

In all frankness, I also love wearing the hijab because I’m far too lazy to style my hair or worry about what my hair looks like. In the mornings, I usually always put on my hijab the last, it’s my sign of ‘I’m ready to leave the house now’. It bothers me when wearing the hijab takes up too much of my time, therefore I generally keep it simple and straightforward. Keeping it simple is also part of my personal style; minimal, effortless and elegant.

My interest in the amalgamation of fashion and modesty, combined with my fascination of natural fabrics, particularly silk, has led me into starting my own handcrafted scarves collection. I always thought there is a big gap between the fashion industry and the modest fashion community (particularly within the Islamic fashion community). The combination of religious practices and fashion still seems to be alien and a taboo subject in the fashion industry. Perhaps with my optimistic thoughts, creating the collection was my way of building a bridge between the two industries. Another reason why I’ve started my collection was to create creative images and creatively communicate positive messages to the (virtual) fashion world to eliminate the stigma of Muslim women being unfashionable, oppressed and all other negative stereotypes. Everything is slowly shifting positively, it is just a matter of time until modest fashion will be acknowledged widely within the fashion industry. Hopefully, the work I am doing will inspire others to follow and bring positive change in shaping the future of young women who wear the hijab.

Words | Zinah Nur Sharif
Photography | Jihan Nur Sharif

The summer that was...during summer. This was in June, when the weather in London was still nice and summery and the story changed in August! Can't complain much, as I've spent over two weeks abroad enjoying sunny warm  (more like hot!) weather.

London is known for rain...it literally rains every week, and at times it stretches to raining everyday!
You always have to dress for the weather...or carry around a small umbrella.

This outfit is designed for the London weather and funnily enough, both my boots and trench coats are from British brands! Weather-wise with Burberry & Hunter!

I believe that it is very important to give back to the world, through actions, charitable work and donations. Whether it is the local community or places abroad, giving is good for the world and soul.

The foundation isn't a separate thing but just to give back through the current work I am doing. I'm hoping to organise gatherings, talks and few other things.

During my previous job as a fashion editor, I have accumulated a lot of clothes for photo shoots and work I have done. My wardrobe is full and I would prefer not to keep all of it for myself (besides, I have most of it myself and duplicates of each item is just completely shameful!)

So I list items on (almost) daily bases on my depopmarket and big cartel account. So check it out and stay tuned, because all of it is a bargain and 20% goes to a supported charity inshAllah.

As for the pictures below, all items are on sale!

As for events, talks etc. I will keep you all posted when I'm planning one inshAllah.

I love a bit of sparkle. I think it adds a touch of glamour to any outfit. Most of the time, my accessories are sparkly, whether it's my necklace, clutch or even shoes. But why not scarf?
And instead of pinning brooches ony scarf, I thought of actually intertwining it in the designs I make. 

I'm so particular when it comes to materials, with the products I make and even the clothes I buy.
It's so important for me to feel a 'nice' material on my skin. I'm not a fan of synthetics and quiet frankly they should NEVER be overpriced. £60+ for a synthetic maxi skirt? No thank you. We all know how much polyester costs, right? Let's not forget to include production, location and labour. That all makes up the price of a product. 

One thing I believe that makes my brand stand out (besides having a strong sense of brand image) is the use of fine and natural materials. All the scarves I make are from natural fibres from silk all the way to wool. 

It's such a magnificent city, almost indescribable. The only way to get to know London would be to fully live in the city. Not as a tourist, or a business trip or even a weekend getaway. Few days in London is never enough to give this huge city any justice of what it truly could be to one. 

Each signature scarf is named after significant locations; both to London and myself. Five signature scarves, five locations; Queensway, King’s Cross, Hampstead, Kensington and Victoria. Three of the locations are where I used to reside (now based in Hampstead), Victoria being my first ever work location, being only 17 and discovering such a magnificent city, while Queensway was both a work and leisure area for me. 

Of course fate has it that all these locations are connected to royalty and perfectly fit the brand name and image; the logo being a Z with a crown, to reflect my nickname ‘Zinah the warrior princess’ and to symbolise luxury in the products I offer. 

For Marie Claire April 2015 print issue (now also on the website) 

Abstract: Religion is in rapid decline among young people, with only 25 per cent of 16-24-year-olds in Britain saying they believe in God. But millennials of different faiths are galvanising the need for cultural innovation, to ensure their religions remain relevant in an ever-changing world by redefining their religions. There are pop-up kosher restaurants like London’s Kosher Roast, and the ‘Mipsterz’ movement – ‘hipster Muslims’ using make-up and accessories to challenge the view that the hijab is a symbol of oppression. Elsewhere, style blogs including Hijab Style, Muslimah Beauty, Church Girl Chic and Jewish blog Fabologie offer tips on how to conform to modesty with style – and they are attracting thousands of hits every week. 

As extremist interpretations of religion continue to shock the world in increasingly horrific ways, young women are refusing to allow their faith to be tainted. Instead, they’re celebrating its place in modern life. Reina Lewis, Professor of Cultural Studies at London College of Fashion and author of the forthcoming Muslim Fashion: Contemporary Style Cultures, says, ‘It’s a phenomenon that stems from young women who’ve grown up with consumer culture and the freedom to express their identity through it. And why shouldn’t that expression reflect their faith, too?’ Social media, she argues, has played a huge role. ‘It allows women around the world to share ideas, influence one another and, ultimately, shape the future of their faith.’ Meet three game-changers doing just that. 

‘I’m happy with my interpretation of my faith. I get hundreds of emails asking for advice’


Zinah Nur Sharif (above), 24, blogs at zinahns.blogspot.co.uk

‘A girl can never own too many headscarves. I have at least 20 and I use the colour and texture of the fabric as a starting point for my make-up each day. I keep my foundation and eye make-up subtle, with a bright lip. It’s about complementing the hijab, not distracting from it. 

Women have been waiting years for stylish scarves. Not many high-street ones are appropriate for the head, as they’re often too loudly patterned or made from synthetic fabric, so
I decided to design my own range. They’re plain, but in gorgeous colours and textures, and all natural fabrics, like cotton and silk. For winter, I use velvet and wool. 

There are too few Muslim women in the public eye. Growing up, I rarely saw hijabs on TV, and didn’t have successful, stylish-but-modest women to look up to. Things are changing now. The blogging world is an exciting place to be. I wish blogs like mine had existed when I was a teenager. They’re a place to talk about fashion and make-up, and explore female identity. Many Muslim women are encouraged into academia or to study law, but I studied fashion and graphic design because I wanted to follow my own path. 

Social media has brought back that sense of community. I’m active on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, so I can connect with young Muslim women as far away as Southeast Asia, New Zealand and America. It feels like a global movement that wasn’t possible until recently. We now have a platform to discuss and share positive ideas about our faith and interests.
Nobody’s forcing me to wear the hijab. I choose to because it’s an outward symbol of my commitment to my faith, and in the Koran, God states that women and men should dress modestly. Make-up and Islam are totally compatible. Some Muslims might disagree, because we’re not supposed to alter ourselves, but make-up is temporary – it washes off. I wear it for myself, and I find that empowering. 

There will always be criticism. People have said to me, ‘If you’re so modest, maybe you shouldn’t be posting photos of yourself online.’ But I’m happy with my interpretation of my faith, and I get hundreds of emails from girls asking for hijab-styling advice. 

Nothing in the Koran states that women are second-class citizens. The Prophet’s first wife Khadija was a successful entrepreneur, so in Islamic countries where women are suppressed, it’s because of cultural rather than religious reasons. With extremism rising, it’s more important than ever for me to show that I’m an independent, successful woman, as well as a good Muslim.’

Follow Zinah @zinahns