The burka described by Wikipedia as, ‘an enveloping outer garment worn by women is some Islamic traditions.’ In Britain, the burka is a symbol of female fundamentalism that’s generally split into two equally un-compelling camps.
- a form of sexist male oppression, worn by downtrodden Muslim women with no voice.
- Worn by raving female fundamentalists who reject western values and the sexualisation of Western fashion.
Can these powerful pieces of clothing ever be fashionable? Up to a point yes, it can.
In the oil rich Arab gulf states vibrant colour it appears is the new black. Let’s face it black doesn’t allow them to express their individuality. Exclusive Parisian fashion houses are increasingly jumping on the burka bandwagon. Modesty and luxury apparently do mix. The likes of Dior and Burberry have targeting the lucrative Gulf State market, burkas have been given a makeover, opulent silk, gold trimming and millions of Swarovski crystals glitter on the streets of Dubai and Jeddah. Some Muslim women have an appetite for fashion and a budget to match. Move over New York and Shoreditch, there’s a new breed of fashionistas out there to rival Japans famous Harajuku girls, it’s called Islamic chic.
No one disputes how politically sensitive the burka is, feminist factions argue the merits of a women’s right to choose what she wears, verses the burka as an oppressive symbol of male domination and religious suppression. Through war, religious unrest and political oppression women have always wanted stand out from the crowd, and it appears there are ways to pimp this enveloping outer garment. It would seem that fundamentalist fashion is on the up.
OMG where did you get your top from?! 