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?
