From a conservative dress to becoming a global fashion statement, Burqas have come a long way
By
S. Arshad, New Age Islam
29
March 2021
Even a
decade or two ago, burqas were a black loose robe worn by married or elderly
women as a sign of modesty. Wearing such a burqa was sort of a religious duty
of Muslim women. There was no aesthetic sense or sense of beauty attached to
it.
However,
it has changed in India now. Burqas have become a global fashion statement
after having gone a major makeover. Now designer burqas in many colours and
designs have not only changed the way men look at burqa but also the way women
look at them. Burqas are now available in many designs and styles like umbrella
cut, fish cut, straight fit, waist-coat style, tight fitting with intricate
work in sleeves or with leather patch work.
Because
of their beauty and stylishness, burqas have now become a part of a Muslim
woman's daily clothing. Women have different kind of burqas for different
occasion. There are partywear burqas kept only for parties while heavy
embroidered burqas to be worn in weddings. Simple and lighter burqas are meant
for daily use like shopping, colleges or schools or to offices.
In
Dubai, annual burqa ramp walk is also held. Dubai has become a major exporter
of designer burqas.
Earlier
burqas were worn only by married and older women and young girls would avoid
burqas but thanks to the aesthetic appeal of the modern designer burqas, young
girls are attracted to them and have started wearing burqas to schools and
shopping. It also gives them a sense of security.
Thanks
to the growing trend of burqa wearing among all age groups of women, the sales
of burqas have gone up. Now women buy designer burqas along with their regular
garments for Eid. The sale of burqas goes up by 30 to 50% during Ramadhan.
The
burqas have also become a security shield for women in an age when mobile
phones with sophisticated cameras have become a part of every man's personal
accessories. It has increased the chances of women being video graphed or
clicked by rogue men on the street. One reason for young girls and women going
for is the protection it gives them from these rogue elements. Since non-Muslim
women and girls don't wear burqa, they use scarf to cover their face. It
protects them both from prying eyes and rogue cameras.
Now
that burqas have become a global fashion statement, they may no longer be
considered 'a sign of subservience' and 'debasement of women' as French
President Nocholas Sarkozy had described it in 2006.
------
S.
Arshad is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/from-conservative-dress-becoming-global/d/124618
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African
Muslim News, Arab
World News, South
Asia News, Indian
Muslim News, World
Muslim News, Women
in Islam, Islamic
Feminism, Arab
Women, Women
In Arab, Islamophobia
in America, Muslim
Women in West, Islam
Women and Feminism