When most of us think of Muslim-majority countries, certain images dominate our thoughts, and they aren’t pretty. Some of us will go immediately to the tragedy in Syria, for instance: tiny bombing victims, covered in ashes and blood; destroyed buildings. Others will picture horrifying terrorists doing unimaginable things.
Almost all of us will draw on images of women covered from head to foot.
Newscasts also play a part, making it hard to remember that, not long ago, places like Syria hosted modern cities full of well-educated, creative people, with dreams and businesses and aspirations. People who dressed in clothing you might see anywhere in the world.
But those images have faded; today, we don’t see much evidence of the vibrant culture, art, and fashion that once emanated Muslim-majority countries. But it exists, and it is glorious.
Entrepreneurs are still very much alive and well in Muslim countries around the world. Here are some examples:
Strutting the Middle East runway
Fashion magazine Savoir Flair gives us a peek into the UAE fashion scene. I’ll admit I was surprised and delighted to find stunning, sparkling and surprisingly bare couture worthy of any runway in Milan or New York.
Syrian designer Rami Al Ali, for one, takes my breath away. Stunning, besparkled couture dresses with silhouettes at once classic and ultra-modern, architectural and softly feminine.
Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi of Ashi Studio, meanwhile, relies on highly…