Estimated reading time: 13 minute(s)
Ebony S. Muhammad (EM): First and foremost, congrats on the launch of your new Islamic fashion line! What is the name of your line, it’s meaning and how did you come into being a fashion designer?
Aneesa Muhammad (AM): Thank you very much! The name of my fashion line is Ase.Èna (pronounced ACE-ENA). It is literally my name spelled backwards.
Aneesa Muhammad
I chose that name, because in whatever I wanted to do with my life I wanted to make sure my name was a part of it. So after I’m gone, people will know that I was here.
How did I become a fashion designer/seamstress? Well I happen to be under 5 feet and under 100 pounds, so finding clothes that fit right or that fit at all were very hard for me. Every person that has actually made something for me did it incorrectly, because they didn’t understand my size. Therefore, I began creating my own clothes that were good for me and made me feel good as a woman, yet, that was still modest.
Soon after, I realized other women had the same struggle I had. Whether they were tall, short, skinny, heavy etc. Every woman I came across was looking for something that made them feel like a woman.
My inspiration for my line came from the movie The Matrix. I was so in love with the character Trinity. I loved everything she wore and how confident she was. That black leather jacket was my favorite! I drooled over the way it flowed, everything about it was the epitome of BOSS to me. A lot of my designs are actually inspired by that look and it’s sharpness.
EM: You are debuting your new line by way of a fashion show this coming January, which is exciting and I’m sure a lot of work. Tell us a little bit about the show, such as the theme. What has the response been like since announcing the show?
AM: Oh my God! I’m super excited for this! It’s my baby.
Well the show is January 21, 2017, starting at 4pm in Plainfield, New Jersey. The theme is “Cards”, hence my logo bring a spades. So everything will be white and black.
I plan to feature a full variety of garments and outfits for men, women, and children in the show. I wanted to break up the pattern of just showing women go down a runway. Men wear clothes too (laughs). So it’ll be sportswear, day-to-day clothes, work clothes, etc. Everything you will see, you will be able to purchase. From the hats to the scarves to the jewelry.
Lastly, the responses have been amazing! I’m very excited about what is to come in the near future and after the show. I’m already making arrangements for my next move.
EM: I see that there will be other designers participating in your show as well. What do each designer bring individually, and what do you anticipate it will be like having everyone under one roof and one runway?
AM: This is part is by far one of the most exciting things about what is taking place.
All of us in one accord under one roof, doing God’s work. The amount of youth in this show is going to be epic.
I wanted the younger generation in The Nation Of Islam to make some noise, because we have so much talent just waiting to be revealed. I would love to be an agent for that. Each designer brings their own personality to the table with their fashion. One designer in particular sales very Diva attire. Another sister sales more laid back day-to-day clothes, and then we have a brother who sales his line of day-to-day wear. So everyone has something amazing to offer The Nation Of Islam and the World.
EM: Just this past Holy Day Of Atonement weekend in Atlanta, the Nation Of Islam hosted its first annual Islamic Fashion Weekend and fashion show. It was streaming live via social media. From the reactions of those around the world, including by men, it seemed to have set a new standard to fashion across the board. How do you see modesty as becoming more desirable to those outside of the Islamic faith? In what ways do you seek to continue that standard of high civilization with your line and upcoming fashion show?
AM: What I noticed the most is women, even in Islam, finding a struggle for balance when it comes to everyday wear. Like what do I wear to work? That’s what I mostly like to be focused on, and I believe that is a major part of my contribution in the modest fashion world. Designing and creating things that the regular woman on the go can put on hassle-free and still look FA-BU-LOUS and most importantly modest.
I believe that women don’t want to feel so pressured into buying the trash in the clothing stores. Where, if you’re not showing your backside, your showing your cleavage. And if you do want to be covered your best bet is to wear a huge knitted sweater from Forever21 or a Nike sweat suit. I have to believe that women want to do better but just don’t have the avenue to do so…… I’m creating an avenue by Gods grace.
