Hijab House was created in 2010 to provide stylish, modest clothing for young Muslim women. Before the label’s inception, Muslim women were limited to traditional retail clothing often imported in bulk which often targeted older women.
Muslim women are religiously advised to wear the hijab (head scarf), but also loose fitting, non-sheer, long clothing. Hijab House designs have encouraged Muslim women around the world to follow this religious duty while still remaining fashionable.
The company’s head designer, Sophie Loader, grew up in Canberra and studied at the Canberra Institute of Technology. When Hijab House first opened its doors, it was a breath of fresh air to the Muslim, female, hijab-donning community. The company has been a part of a movement that has inspired women to be confident in who they are and what they can achieve.
Hijab House is part of the ‘Faith, Fashion, Fusion’ exhibition originally held at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. The exhibition is now in Victoria and is scheduled to travel to Perth later in the year.
Q. Thinking back on 2013, what goals have you achieved that you are most proud of?
In early 2013 we hosted out first fashion show in Los Angeles which was extremely rewarding as we realised the US marketplace is much different to Australia’s.
Our ultimate goal for the year was to listen and respond to customer feedback. We already had a strong national and international fan base but knew it could be stronger. So we improved our designs and stock issues—in store and online—and as a result our followers on Instagram increased by about 20,000 and Facebook ‘likes’ by about 15,000. And we collaborated with some international fashion bloggers.
We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved and the love our fans show us is the best kind of result.
Q. What is on the agenda for Hijab House in 2014?
In 2014 we’ve already hosted an international competition, had an international photographer do our latest photo shoot and will be featured at FASHFEST for the first time. Still to come, Hijab House has big plans to collaborate with more bloggers, set up some pop up stores and hopefully collaborate with some big name department stores. Watch this space.
Q. What does it mean to you to be participating as a designer in FASHFEST 2014?
FASHFEST is an amazing event really celebrating talent from Canberra and to have been recognised as being a stand-out designer worthy of participating is such a huge honour. It is a real confidence boost about what we do and what we stand for, for the whole Hijab House team and myself as head designer. The love we’ve been shown since coming on board with the fashion even has been overwhelming and I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing brand.
A few just for fun:
Q. I would love to travel to SOCOTRA because it is the most alien looking landscape on Earth.
Q. My heaven on earth is SILO bakery in Canberra (baguettes omg).
Q. If I could have one thing in the whole world it would be a library because it would be the only thing keeping me entertained all day.
Q. My favourite designer is ANYTHING by Prada because they are the most innovative, forward thinking, and usually catapult worldwide trends.
Q. The greatest risk I ever took was when I decided to get involved with Hijab House – a risk that definitely paid off.
Saturday 3 May (Night 4) will be Hijab House’s first appearance at Fashfest – a show we are very excited to see!
Canberra Airport
www.fashfest.com.au
