A Day at de Young: Contemporary Muslim Fashions Exhibit

Thank you so much to the de Young Museum and their incredible team

for having me at their preview!

Whether it’s through the blog, social media, or talks that I’ve done, I’ve always voiced my steadfast belief in the value of representation in media and advertising. I don’t see a successful future for anyone or any business if their advertising, products and services are not inclusive. To know that at 24 years old, I have the blessing to see my faith celebrated in a museum I have always loved, is out of this world.

One of the most incredible movements to have happen as a result of the endless growth of social media is seeing women of different faiths celebrate their religion and culture through their way of dress and life. Our first instinct is to label a way of dress as something materialistic, but I’ve always said that it is far more than that. It’s not only a form of expression, but an opportunity for creative control, asserting independence, and fostering constructive conversation. Many incredible women, like Dian Pelangi , Dina Tokio, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and Ascia have given the world a chance to see the diversity within the Muslim community of women.

The De Young Museum has created something that I feel is groundbreaking! Sure, if you’re used to seeing your religion and culture broadcasted in museums, it might not seem like a big deal to you. But, for me, it was both the most foreign and the most familiar feeling I’ve experienced in my adult life. It was an experience where I thought “Oh my god, I know these people. These people are part of my multifaceted and diverse community. What are they doing in a museum?” It was weird at first, just because I’ve never had the privilege of seeing Muslim women highlighted in an authentic and non-stereotypical way. It’s often that the topics surrounding Muslim women are not shed in the most positive light. The Contemporary Muslim Fashions exhibit brought to life the other end of that spectrum. It was a vibrant, exciting, thought provoking and empowering celebration of today’s Muslim women and their many ways of practicing their faith, through their creative way of dress and more. 

Quick Takeaway Facts

*courtesy of Reina Lewis (Professor of Cultural Studies, London College of Fashion,

University of Arts London & consulting curator for the exhibit)*

• The Muslim modest fashion market this year was estimated at $44 Billion and is expected to grow at a fast rate.

• Muslim fashion is not just for Muslims. In fact, so many modest Muslim fashion brands find that 40-50% of their customer segments do not identify with a religion or are not Muslim. These customers look to such designers because they  provide more wardrobe choices for style and modesty.

• There is an archetypal element that you will notice when going through the exhibit, which was inspired by one of the most common architectural themes found in the Islamic world: the arch. This is done to celebrate and pay respect to the importance and beauty of the exhibit.

For those of you in the NorCal area, this is something that I PROMISE you don’t want to miss. It’s an absolute treat and a refreshing take on normalcy.

Details About the Exhibit (via de Young Museum website)

When does it open? September 22, 2018, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

How much are tickets? (visit de Young site to purchase)

• Members: Free

• Adults: $28

• Seniors (65+): $25

• Students (w/ valid ID): $19

• Youth (6-17): $13

• Children (5 and Under): Free

  How long will the exhibition be running for?

  Sept 22, 2018 - Jan 6, 2019