Fashion's Blind Spot: The Need for Muslim Representation
Highlighting the significance of diversity in fashion and the steps taken by brands like Nike and American Eagle in representing Muslim women.
Representation in the fashion industry holds profound significance for individuals like me. As an American woman with Filipino heritage, representation is a source of empowerment. Seeing models and designers who share a similar background in the fashion world not only validates our existence but also inspires confidence and pride in our distinct identity. Aside from aesthetics, representation is a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity, breaking stereotypes, and promoting a sense of belonging. The fashion industry, with its pervasive influence on societal norms and beauty standards, plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions.
While the fashion industry has made large strides towards becoming more inclusive, there are still many underrepresented cultural groups, such as Muslim women. In the U.S., nearly 50% of Muslim women wear head scarfs and modest clothing. However, it is a rare occasion to see a woman wearing a hijab in an advertisement or see mainstream clothing specifically designed for Muslim women. Nike and American Eagle are two major clothing corporations that have paved the way for Muslim inclusion and representation in their campaigns and product lines. In 2017, Nike released its very own line of hijabs for Muslim athletes. While there are many smaller brands that Muslim women could buy hijabs from, it was still exciting to see such a large, mainstream company acknowledge the culture. Many Muslim athletes were excited to shop at such a popular brand for a product they use in their day-to-day lives. Another benefit of the Nike hijab is that it is more breathable and functional for sports and exercise than a normal hijab.
As for American Eagle, the popular teen brand featured its first hijab-wearing model in their campaign in 2017. They then took a more trendy and modern approach by releasing a denim hijab. This was a huge milestone for young Muslim women as American Eagle was one of the first mainstream teen brands to create a product specifically for Muslim women. The product itself was also sold at a very affordable price. These two brands are great examples of how companies are slowly but surely starting to ensure that women of all cultures can purchase both trendy and comfortable products.
Although American Eagle has already taken initiative in diversifying their brand, I think they would benefit greatly from expanding their product line to appeal to Muslim women and eventually women of all cultures and religions. Fashion plays a large role in our everyday lives, especially when it comes to young girls. Comfort and confidence are extremely important when it comes to clothing pieces. Fashion itself is a form of art and expression. Everyone should be able to find pieces that are not only fashionable to them but also align with their lifestyle. American Eagle is well-known for their inclusive campaigns, with their "AerieReal" campaign being an example. Many young girls shop at American Eagle due to inclusive sizing and advertising. If they were the first major teen brand to release a product line of trendy clothing for Muslim women, I think their consumer base would grow significantly. The target customer in this situation would be Muslim women. Thanks to social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, new fashion trends are being shared every day. However, not all of these trends are modest enough for young Muslim women to participate in. An updated clothing line with materials and patterns that are in style would attract many young girls who want to participate in these current fashion trends.
As I enter the fashion industry, I aspire to continue to advocate for women all over the world. The efforts made by brands like Nike and American Eagle to include Muslim representation in their campaigns are positive steps towards a more inclusive fashion industry. While progress has been made, there's still room for growth. American Eagle, especially, has the opportunity to lead by expanding its product line for Muslim women, meeting their unique needs. By doing so, the brand can not only satisfy diverse consumer demands but also set an example for other mainstream brands, promoting a more inclusive and representative fashion landscape.
Model, Halima Aden, in American Eagle's "I Can" campaign.
Nike’s Modest Swimwear Campaign