Saturday July 18, 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm
MacEwan Hall A - University of Calgary (map)
Tickets: $10.00
A booking fee will not be charged. All prices are in Canadian dollars. Payments are made through paypal so all transactions are secure.
For fashion designer Nida Makhdoom it’s all about clean lines and relaxed fits with bold punches of colour and detail. Her fashion draws on her Canadian upbringing, South Asian heritage, Middle Eastern influences and everything in between. “Muslims are diverse so it only makes sense that the clothing we wear reflects that.” Nida’s fashion combines culture and ideas: speaking more about similarities than differences and valuing mutual respect above tolerance.
“Being Canadian is a big part of who I am so I find it natural to draw from those Canadian experiences.” Islamic fashion is an important art form but what is equally as important is looking at it contextually. “It comes down to interpreting clothing in a way that makes sense in our surroundings. For me, that interpretation is Western Muslim - it’s offbeat but honest”
Click here to purchase tickets online. Tickets are $10.00. Payments are made through paypal so you can be assured all transactions are secure. There is no booking fee - you just pay the cost of the ticket.
Makhdoom is a strong believer in reflecting your inner identity in your outer appearance. Currently studying traditional and contemporary fashion in Morocco, she infuses an Eastern thoughtfulness into her ensembles while remaining true to her Western roots. “Its about picking and choosing. It doesn’t have to be all about one culture or one type or clothing. Just because I’m Muslim does not mean I have to dress in a particular culture’s garb, especially if it has no meaning for me.”
Amos & Andes Imports
Carrying exclusive lines of colourful fashions from South America, Europe, India and elsewhere including hand-knit sweaters, handcrafted jewellery and decorative items
200 Barclay Parade SW
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5, Canada
(403) 262-9022
Barkhor
A treasure trove of home décor and exotic accessories, Barkhor offers eclectic pieces of semi precious stone jewelry, fine cashmere, silk scarves, pashmina shawls and scarves, Tibetan rugs and antiques, Nepalese handy crafts and clothing. Experience quality craftsmanship and fascinating taste of the Himalayan region.
1510 6 Street SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0Z8, Canada
(403) 244-1670
“Glitter is good for the soul. Something happens when you add a little glitter to your day. It gives you a smile, a good energy and just pumps you up and makes you feel glam, bam, thank you ma’am! So give Lit Cosmetics a try and enjoy everything you get out of it, like I have for the past 11 years!” - Owner and Creator, Jodie Urchyshyn
118B 10 Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1V3, Canada
(403) 229-2075
Just Muslim
Its core business is Muslim urban clothing: a group with strong Islamic characteristics whose style, quality and passion are clearly seen in our designs.
If you are part of the media and would like to cover the event or would just like some more information please contact (403)605.5701 or email us at info@thewesternmuslim.com
CALGARY HERALD Coverage
Graeme Morton from the Calgary Herald interviews Nida Makhdoom. Faith helps shape fashion designer’s vision.
Comments
FINALLY! It’s about time we had a fashion show with clothing that most Canadian muslims ACTUALLY wear. It seems like whenever ‘muslim’ and ‘fashion’ are in the same sentence, there’s some sort of Saudi clothing involved.
i’m looking forward to attending.
It’s time for some bold steps!
if i want to participate in the fashion show, who do i contact?
I LOVE how Abbas is the entertainment at every WM event!!! I think his performance speaks to what the WM represents and hopes to acheive.
You’re right – I never noticed that before! I’m actually looking really forward to this event. I haven’t been to a decent Muslim run fashion show in a while.
what i’m expecting from this event is diversity. Western Muslims are incredibly diverse so hopefully we’ll see that in the show.
I am beyond excited to attend this event! It’s about time Calgary has something like this. Alhumdulilah i’m so glad that Western Muslim encourages us all to come out of our shell and show what being a Canadian Muslim is all about!
I will be excited if I got the chance to attend this event…So good luck Nida in to your fashion show !!
Zain, if u wana be model..contact Nida, Sana, or Ahmed
or simple go to the model call/meet for the event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=99981884574
I’m so happy to hear about this event, I’m really looking forward to it, but sadly I’m too far away, perhaps, some pictures or videos please later on about this fashion show?
Jazakumullah,
Eri Hariono
Jakarta, Indonesia
The intent here is laudable; I’m aware some in the MSA are opposed and I side with this show in arguing the point with them.
There *should* be Islamic fashion unique to us here- historically speaking with Islam’s spread came only modifications to local clothing, not its eradication. To rid newly Muslim populations of their traditional clothing and to replace it with say, Arab clothing would have been as imperialist and arrogant as the destruction of - beautiful and flowing - local clothing in nearly every corner of the globe by Western colonialism in favour of bland Western stockings, britches, tight slacks and short hair.
But the fact remains this show has missed the entire boat. By discarding the Hijab - in even he very imagery advertising the show - or at least some nod to it, you’ve taken it from what it could have been to already-ran.
The right-wing fascism in Europe is growing even worse now for Muslim women; the Hijab is already banned in schools in France, Belgium and Germany and hysteria in France and the UK is being whipped up now more than ever to ban it, the burqah and the niqab. It is not only the BNP, now the mainstream Lib Dems are calling for blood now as well. Eventually, the hysteria will reach our shores too.
This show could have been a fusion of a stand for them and for a new push for Muslim art in Canada. Instead it will be a fashion show insulated from the realities of the world right outside its door with the typical Western niceties of coffee and tea in hushed tones, convoluted discussion about the co-existence of ‘faith and art and fashion’, perhaps even a fundraiser for the children of Gaza, and patting on the back all around.
Those modeling or involved may not wear the Hijab, niqab or burqah. The may even be an anathema to you. Perhapps you even cringe at your perceived subordination of your sisters when you see them wearing either one. You may believe that for Muslim men who by and large ignore the obligation of the beard, it is hypocritical to expect the Hijab of women, and you’d be right. You may simply not think it to be stylish or you may harbour an inferiority complex about it. You may think it’s wrong not to but do not wear it anyway. Whatever the case, this was - and I say was because I know what I am saying will change nothing - a missed opportunity. And one that is diluted in what it already is with the vague compromising intonation of ‘inclusiveness’.
And if you can crane your neck back far enough, you’ll also see this is no triumph for Muslim fashion, but yet another step in the assimilation and erasure of religious and ethnic clothing by Western cultural imperialism’s constant march.
The show has my every support against its detractors, but at the same time doesn’t have it per se, but I’m not deluded enough to think that means a thing. What have the words of one insignificant person ever mattered, anyway?
Just a suggestion : the organizers should boycott French designers.
Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement!
We, the organizers of the Western Muslim Offbeat Muslim Fashion Showare super excited about this event and are ecstatic to see that you are too 
For those who have expressed concern about what type of clothing will be present; please be assured that the clothing will be modest. From the silhouette, to the length of necklines and hems, a strong consideration of modesty will be present.
Thank you all again for your support and we hope to see you at the show!
I am not gonna pay $19.50 to see beardless guys…this is sacrilegious! $17.50 or no deal!?
aDayonThePlanet - Wow, how lovely to read something intelligent. Your astuteness and clarity, as well the extremely sound points you bring up, were a pleasure to read. Thank you.
You almost restore my faith in the capacity of reason possessed by the human race…almost.
aDayonThePlanet:
You express the same sentiments plaguing our Calgarian Muslim community that create isolation and disillusionment. There are Muslim women out there who adorn the Hijab and there are others that do not. That does not give anyone the right to judge their emaan or the right for them to be represented in the community. I’m looking forward to this fashion show, as other events organized who purport to be representative of the Calgary Muslim community do nothing of the sort. How I interpret the fashion show is a reflection of Calgarian Muslims (the organizers may have a different view), in all of our shapes and forms - with Hijab, without Hijab, bearded and not (although I think it’s very restrictive and appalling to simply classify Muslims in this way). Here’s my plea to those out there who think otherwise: let’s be a little honest with who we are as a community and evaluate our righteous notions of inclusiveness. Because hollow pious sentiments win no one.
i wear hijab, and it’s so frustrating that that’s all people focus on. Believe it or not, there are other more important things that go into being a Muslim. And i’m sorry brothers, but it’s mainly you who make it a vocal issue. It’s a personal choice, so please give us sisters a break!
I’m glad the point made by aDayonThePlanet was missed so thoroughly! Nothing like that to make you want to shoot yourself!
Wow soo much focus on women clothing, what about the men side? I don’t want to pay $17.50 and see beardless guys in lowcut ankle less pants.
Sure Gumbo, there will be focus on men clothing as well. We are trying to make this show as gender inclusive as possible while still maintaining casuality and modesty. We’re looking forward to everyone coming
Just a comment for you Irum, Hijab is not a cloth that goes over a sister’s head. It is an attitude and a character trait which must be internalized by both men and women (as stated in the Quran). That does mean the covering of the hair on your head if you are a sister. Its not a personal choice, it is a direct obligation to Allah that we have as Muslims. (I can back this up with real evidence and proof, rather than with opinions and beliefs, if need be)
The question isn’t whether covering your head is obligatory or not, the question is ‘Do you truly believe in God and his messenger and take their religion whole-heartedly and sincerely?’ I should constantly be asking my self that question before I pose it to you. Yet if you do truly believe with sincerity, you understand that being a Muslim literally means one who submits. Submits to what? To the will of God. Not to the will of your own, nor others, beliefs or desires. So what is the will of god? I am not going to argue with you over that, but rather invite you to learn about it yourself. It’s sad to see so many bright and intelligent Muslims are ignorant to the basic teachings of Islam. Ignorance is the fuel for confused Muslim identities and behavior, while soon after arrogance becomes its arbitrator.
-beautiful Web design by the way 
AsalamuAlaykum,
@ Influencial
If you truly claimed to, as you say “believe in God and His messenger and take (the) religion whole-heartedly and sincerely” then your actions would reflect your words. Allah (SWT) has commanded in the Quran for women to cover, and if we truly believed, we would be obeying His commands.
The only thing I fear, and we should ALL fear, is being in the category of the hypocrites (to say one thing, and do another). May Allah (SWT) guide us all. Ameen.
And Allah knows Best.
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