Project: MSLM
Date: June 2007
My Little Underground: Associate Editor
In MSLM the fashion awareness of young Muslim girls took centre stage. Headscarves and burqas may have created quite a stir in recent years, but they are undeniably everyday garments and therefore trend-sensitive. Political and religious discussions aside, Muslimas presented themselves in this project as ordinary young women and girls with their own ideas, tastes, preferences, references, opinions, and considerations with regard to fashion and clothing. Muslimas are fashion-conscious and they experience their clothing rules just like any other girl who wants to or has to comply with clothing rules, latest fashion crazes, or trends. Muslimas do not wear identical uniforms. Even when Muslimas wear headscarves, it’s the differences that are the most conspicuous: the various ways in which headscarves are wrapped, pairing them with other garments, the colors; these aspects all tell different and unique stories. After all, the backgrounds of the Muslim girls are all very different and so is the level of their commitment to their religion.
This unique project was brought about by my good friend Natasa Heydra and its been an honor to be part of it. MSLM was also continued as a traveling installation/show featuring the works of ...And Beyond (NL), Bogomir Doringer (YU-NL), Blazinbell (NL), Mada van Gaans (NL) and Iniy Sanchez (NL).
