IMANE ASRY KEEPS FAITH IN FASHION
As a young girl Imane Asry dreamt of seeing girls like her in magazines and on tv – she is now challenging that norm. Meet the Swede who has turned her hijab into a fashion statement.
IMANE IN OH-14
YOU RUN A SUCCESSFUL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT, FASHION WITH FAITH, AS WELL AS A YOUTUBE CHANNEL WHERE YOU INSPIRE THROUGH YOUR STYLE. HOW DID IT ALL START?
It all started when I decided to put on the hijab when I was 17 years old. Fashion has always been a huge interest and I have experimented with my style from a young age. When I decided to covering up more I thought that it could be fun to document how this would alter and challenge my style. I’ve always liked a bit of a challenge. I started posting photos of what I wore on Tumblr and it just kind of blew up from there.
WHERE DO YOU SEE MOST OF YOUR FOLLOWERS FROM?
I have an international follower base, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia followed by the UK, US and North Africa. Lately I’ve been getting a lot of new followers from Sweden which is really exciting for me since it’s home to me.
WHAT DOES YOUR FAITH MEAN TO YOU AND HOW DOES IT INSPIRE YOUR SENSE OF STYLE?
My faith is a way of life for me, it’s something that has taught me to be a better person and made me reflect more on my life and my purpose. My faith is a lifestyle for me so it affects me in all kinds of aspects, even when it comes to fashion. When I dress I first and foremost want my clothes to serve a purpose that is important for me, which is modesty.
IMANE IN OH-14
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE TRAPPED IN A BOX BY SOCIETY?
You will not find genuine happiness and contentment if you are not being who you want to be. Break free from that box and live your fullest potential!
WHEN LOOKING AHEAD, DO YOU SEE A MORE INCLUSIVE SOCIETY?
Yes, I believe we have come a long way already but we still have a long way to go when it comes to an inclusive society. I wish for a society that doesn’t marginalise people who don’t fit in with the current norms, forcing them to work harder than someone who fits in.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS TIME?
I hope I’m still in the fashion industry; busy doing something that is changing the norms of the industry. I wish to have a child and hopefully I’m closer to starting – or even better – have already started my own business.
IMANE IN OH-12
