Muslim fashion giving a nod to spandex

 

Breaking through the mold of sequined tunics and abaya, fashion brand Up2date has stormed the Indonesian market with comfortable pieces using fabric that was once unthinkable for Islamic fashion wear: cotton spandex.

Since the opening of their first store in Bandung two years ago, the brand has aggressively expanded, with 17 stores across Indonesia and sales representatives in Dubai and Tehran.

Introducing a mix and match concept by providing colorful clothing pieces with fashionable cuts using comfortable fabric, the fashion label makes it possible for Muslim women opting to cover up according to religious teachings in their own personal style.

“Women who have decided to wear a jilbab (headscarf) of course do not want to lose their character in the way they dress,” Up2date manager Tia said Wednesday.

“Often, the desire to wear jilbab has always been there but there is no Islamic wear that suits their character, making them indecisive about wearing the jilbab. By giving women the option to mix and match clothes made from comfortable fabric, they can adjust the clothes to their own style.”

The popularity and acceptance of the jilbab began to surge in the late 1990s, triggering the development of Islamic fashion in Indonesia. With the majority of the population adhering to Islam, Indonesia has a huge potential market.

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