
Have you always worn a headscarf, or did you begin later in life?
"I grew up in a conservative, yet moderate, household, and I wore the hijab for the first time at age 13. My main inspiration for wearing it comes from my mother and her sisters. I was always around them growing up, and admired how they wore the hijab but didn't allow it to impede their daily activities, such as being on a high school sports team, running clubs in college, or speaking for the news."
How do you feel about wearing the hijab in particular?
"I see it as a responsibility on myself. I know that in my hijab I am not only covering myself for the sake of God but also to serve as an example of my religion to the public. I also appreciate its beauty because it enhances my ideas on dressing and maintaining modesty."
Summer is a time when so many women choose to wear fewer clothes — how do you beat the heat while remaining modest?
"In the summertime, everyone loves dresses and skirts, and so do I. Clothes in the summer should be breezy and thin, yet not skintight. I like to wear chiffon tops and lightweight scarves, or a maxi dress and a light cardigan, or even harem pants and thin, long-sleeved blouses. There’s an unlimited amount of scarf fabrics that can be breezy, yet cover the guidelines of hijab."
What's your favorite way to style a maxi skirt for a day in the park, or a big night out?
"For a day in the park, I’d wear a loose white blouse with a skinny brown belt for a casual and breezy vibe. For a night-time outing, perhaps a long sleeve peplum top and a more fitted maxi skirt would look fancy and elegant at the same time."
"I did not expect such a controversy to occur over the photo, but I’m glad to have seen such amazing feedback from new followers. In general, I’d like to collaborate with brands who have the same goal as me in inspiring modest fashion!"