In Kazna Asker’s world, fashion is not just about clothes; it’s about storytelling. London Fashion Week, a stage where creativity and innovation knows no bounds, witnessed a show like no other as Kazna Asker unveiled her latest collection, displaying her passion for blending cultures, celebrating diversity, and advocating for inclusivity.
Against a backdrop of bright lights and a serene atmosphere, models adorned in Asker’s designs emerged, each outfit, a celebration of diversity as traditional Islamic attire met British streetwear, resulting in a collection that was as daring as it was breathtaking.
At first glance, the collection seemed like traditional Islamic attire, with thobes, abayas, hijabs, jilbabs, and chadors making up the silhouettes. But a closer look revealed details like British tracksuit-inspired designs, waterproof nylon fabrics, vibrant piping, adjustable hoods, and full-length zips.
During the show, attendees were elated as models came alive with berets and headscarves, their fingers decorated with intricate henna designs that glistened under the lights—a homage to Asker’s Yemeni heritage. A heritage she boldly embraces, having even won the Debut Talent Prize at Fashion Trust Arabia, representing both Yemen and her local community, Sheffield.
“I wanted to combine British northern culture and the streetwear I grew up around, with my Yemeni heritage,” Kazna explains. Her mastery lying in the art of turning hijabs into fashion statements by embellishing them with head jewellery and bold patterns.
Her journey from her Yemeni heritage and hometown of Sheffield, UK, to the prestigious runways of London Fashion Week is nothing short of inspiring. Graduating from Central Saint Martin’s, she made history as the first designer to unveil a Hijabi collection at the CSM’s MA Fashion show, displaying her commitment to inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry.
More than just aesthetics, her show at London Fashion Week offered a look into the multifaceted identity of Muslim women. She narrated, “I wanted to unite how my grandma views her culture versus how I view the culture, combining tracksuits with Islamic modesty,” while presenting individuals embracing their faith and expressing their unique personalities through fashion. Among the tracksuits was a key piece of the show, a football shirt with “Palestine” written across it, again showing fashion as a force for change.
In Asker’s designs, we find not just garments but a reflection of our shared humanity—a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected by creativity, compassion, and courage. Fashion becomes not just a showcase but a story—one that speaks to the heart of who we are and who we aspire to be.
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
