- In August 2023, Saeedah Haque collaborated with Nike to launch a groundbreaking collection of modest streetwear, offering a trendy alternative to traditional abayas with a focus on representation and diversity in fashion.
- Haque’s global influence in fashion and her support for the Muslim cause regarding the French abaya ban, have earned her widespread recognition.
Modest attire in Islam, as per the Islamic dress code, is not intended for fashion purposes. However, the partnership our sister has forged with Nike holds significant importance for young sisters who may encounter challenges in embracing the hijab and abaya.
In August 2023, British Muslim Bengali designer Saeedah Haque partnered successfully with Nike to launch an innovative collection of modest streetwear. The collaborative line, known as Nike by You x Saeedah Haque, made its debut on August 11, 2023. This collection presents women with a modern reinterpretation of traditional abayas while maintaining modesty.
Allah says in the Quran in Surah An-Nur (24:31):
“And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”
Hailing from North London, Saeedah Haque, an influential designer, captured global attention. She articulates that she had faced a prolonged challenge in discovering modest attire that harmonized with her individual style. To address this gap, she began crafting her own abayas and gained valuable experience through internships at renowned fashion houses like Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Haque has since gained recognition for her unique abayas by incorporating contemporary silhouettes and using ethically sourced materials, establishing the world’s first streetwear abaya label known for its quality.
This significant collaboration between Haque and Nike transcends conventional notions of immodest fashion and trends. In addition, this underscores the capacity of fashion brands to bridge cultural and religious divides whilst giving a platform to talented individuals and groups that may otherwise be underrepresented.
Haque’s stance on the Abaya ban in France
Haque has garnered worldwide attention, with a global audience keenly watching her since her deal with Nike.
After the French ban on wearing the Abaya in schools, Haque showed steadfast support for the Muslim cause by sharing protest photos from France on her social media platform.:
In a separate post, Haque showed solidarity with our Muslims sisters of France by dedicating her next fashion line to France and promising a possible refund to those who wear her products. In a heartfelt statement she said: “The abaya ban for schools starts in september so drop four is exclusive to France only, send me a pic wearing it to school and i might refund your order. They can’t ban hoodies. ALLEZ”
