Freedom to be you: New French e-boutique champions modest fashion as ‘banner of diversity’
Part of the conversation about diversity and inclusion in French society struggles across the lines of secularism and the right to religious practice in public.
In fashion, modest wear is most often associated with Islamic practice and Muslims are probably its biggest consumer base and proponents. In France, it’s not easy to practice Islam if you’re a Muslim woman who wears the burqa or hijab. In the name of secularism, France’s government prohibited the full-face veil a decade ago and this year is pursuing a law to ban the headscarf for women under the age of 18, as part of a so-called “anti-separatism” bill.
In January 2018 at one of the earliest modest fashion shows in Paris, the organizer told Reuters that France’s resistance to modest fashion has “nothing to do with the fashion itself it has to do with religion”.
Free, in under 30 seconds
Join thousands of professionals reading Salaam Gateway — the Global Islamic Economy Gateway.
Already a member? Sign in
- 5 free articles every month
- Weekly Islamic-economy newsletter
- Save articles to read later
