Contemporary Muslim Fashion

Contemporary Muslim Fashion is the first major museum exhibition to explore the complex and diverse nature of Muslim dress codes worldwide. The exhibition examines how Muslim women—those who cover their heads and those who do not—have become arbiters of style within and beyond their communities, and in so doing, have drawn mass media attention to contemporary Muslim life.

Spotlighting places, garments, and styles from around the world, this exhibition considers how Muslims define themselves—and are defined—by their dress, and how these sartorial choices can be interpreted as reflections of the multifaceted nature of their identities. The exhibition will traverse different religious interpretations and cultures, ranging from commissioned couture and high-end fashions, such as those by United Arab Emirates-based Faiza Bouguessa and Malaysian-based Blancheur; to street wear, from the Brooklyn-based Slow Factory to the London-based Sarah Elenany; to sportswear, such as the burkini. Including social media as primary material, Muslim voices, visions, and personal narratives are framed by runway footage, news clips, as well as documentary and fashion photography.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.