Marc Jacobs' Obsession With Hijab Continues This NYFW
Melanie's Corner
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Feb 15, 2018
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2 MIN READ
Noor Suleiman
staff writer
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Marc Jacobs did it again. The New York based designer featured model after model donned in headwraps during his latest show at this season's NYFW. Last year, he made waves for styling all his models in African-inspired headwraps and it caused quite the stir. This year, almost all his models wore what looks like hijab, topped with a wide brim hat. 
 
In reference to his show, almost no publications mention the word 'hijab.' Instead, they tiptoe around it, using phrases like, "hidden under a unique sculptural look," or "under a wide brim hat." Of course, head coverings are not exclusive to Islam or Muslims – yet the specific way in which these scarves are tied is clearly one of the most common styles of hijab seen today.
And so the question is – is this cultural appropriation? As designers adopt and are inspired by dress from other cultures and faiths without properly acknowledging the origins, history – and even struggle – behind them; what is the consequence?
Muslim Girl contributor Eman writes,
"Conversations surrounding appropriation can be exhausting, because it feels like you are always walking on eggshells. Why can’t you just appreciate culture? We live in such a globalized world, that it seems impossible to not derive inspiration from other cultural communities. But it’s more than just inspiration. It’s a power imbalance, where a culture that belongs to a group of people is demonized until it’s presented on a white body. And then it’s loved and seen as an art form."
When a Muslim woman wears hijab, she's oppressed, forced to wear it, uneducated, powerless, and seen as the other. When Jacobs does it, he is a "contrarian" and making a statement. There's an opportunity to make a statement in support of Muslim women and their choice of dress without writing them out of their own story. Does, however, sending these looks down the runway in and of itself pay homage to hijab and make enough of a positive statement on its own?
 
Vogue writer Nichole Phelps says, "Jacobs rarely puts his politics on the runway. This show felt less like a response to Trumpian excess than it did a finger in the eye of the commercial pressures he’s facing." In short, he's making a splash to save himself and his brand. 
@ediebcampbell walking the #MJFW18 Runway Show • Watch it now on our Instagram Stories 📲A post shared by Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs) on Feb 14, 2018 at 6:39pm PST
It's SO exciting to see hijab and head coverings appear on so many runway shows this Fashion Week (shoutout to Vivi Zubedi who featured a runway full of abayas), and we'll be watching to see how this trend evolves but one thing is for sure - we as Muslim women are taking control of how this narrative evolves. 
I'll leave you with this photo posted a few months ago from US based Muslim designer, Mariam AlSibai. Interesting. 
• Are You Ready For This Weeks Reveal? • We are Live & Limited • Shop link in bio • (+ Worldwide shipping) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #vogue #voguearabia #streetstyle #classic #fashiondesigner #limited #fashionist #paris #tokyofashion #womenstyle #fashionworld #coats #autumn #middleeast #onlineshopping #outwear #winterwear #fashiondesigner #fashionmagazine #matchesfashion #trend #sew #coat #handmade #london #fashionbrand #heritage #fashionpost #motherofpearl #craftA post shared by MARIAMALSIBAI (@mariamalsibai) on Nov 28, 2017 at 1:31pm PST
What do you think of Marc Jacob's new collection? Let us know in the comments below! 
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