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AUDIO:: The Courage and Confidence of Covering, At Home and Abroad

written by AQMBlog Staff

By Ebony S. Muhammad

On Sunday, October 1st, I was blessed with the opportunity to get on the witness stand to share my testimony of being among a beautiful group of women to represent the Nation Of Islam, especially the MGT-GCC in Torino, Italy for Torino Fashion Week! Along with the written testimonies, I want to share my personal experience describing what that week abroad was like, as well as the live Q&A with the listeners from all over the Nation! I thank Sister Najma Muhammad and the entire Fajr Prayerline team for the honor!

Click below to listen to both Parts!

TESTIMONY PART 1

 

TESTIMONY PART 2

 

BONUS: PHOTOS + VIDEOS OF ITALY

 

October 7, 2017
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Motivation

The Testimony Of Torino Fashion Week: Touring Torino and Milan, Italy

written by AQMBlog Staff

By Ebony S. Muhammad

For the first couple of days in Torino, Italy we had the freedom to tour the city, shop and experience all the Italian cuisine our hearts desired. I, being the foodie that I am, was looking forward the fresh pastas, authentic Italian pizzas, chocolates, cafes and desserts! It was myself, Sisters Hassanah, Harmoni, Nzinga, Scherri and Summayah. We wasted no time taking advantage of being so close to everything. I don’t think any of us realized how much walking we had to do, so the first stop was H&M to get some flats.

Along the way, we took photos and I recorded video footage of the group as we journeyed through the city’s cobble stone streets, which by the way didn’t have any traffic lights or signs. Therefore, we had to be careful walking since the drivers were not as observant as one would hope.

Torino Fashion Week- Touring Torino + Milan from Ebony S. Muhammad on Vimeo.

That night we took more photos of the city and the unique architecture that surrounded us.

Every luxury brand one could imagine was minutes away along with local boutiques. One particular thing I noticed throughout Torino, as far as fashion, was how modest their selections were. It wasn’t just a few stores here and there that carried modest attire. Just about every store we entered had a modest theme.

The first night in Torino we dove right in to experience the authentic Italian pizza! I had the veggie pizza, and yes I ate the whole thing (laughs)!

 

There is definitely a difference in how fresh all of the ingredients were, how much toppings were given and the overall taste! It was filling but not overwhelming in portion, which is totally the opposite in America. After dinner we went out for gelato, my second one that day ;-).

 

 

On the second night, we went to a more formal restaurant and made reservations for everyone in our party. We started off in their downstairs dining area, but we were asked if we wanted to move to a nicer space. They took us to their upstairs dining room that was extremely nice and quiet. I had the eggplant ravioli, which did not leave me disappointed at all!

Their pasta is incredibly fresh, and again, the portion was perfect! I also had my first Tiramisu for dessert. Just for the record, they do not add rum to the cake.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience there. The service at that restaurant was awesome! We could tell they were intrigued by us by the type of questions they asked along with taking our orders and checking on how everything was at our table.

Sidebar: We noticed there weren’t many, if any, Black people in Torino. Sister Nzinga and I met a brother we believed to be homeless who was asking for money, but he was along the outskirts of the city. His demeanor was indicative of not wanting to pass a certain point. The only time I recall seeing Black people in Torino was on our way out of the Egyptian Museum, but they were selling souvenirs. When they saw us they seemed almost shocked. We realized that Black people were either not openly welcomed or just didn’t venture into Torino for whatever reason. There were many times when less than welcoming experiences did occur while we were visiting, but it didn’t take away from our excitement.

The third day we were in Torino was actually Sister Hassanah’s birth anniversary. Unbeknownst to her, we were all planning a surprise dinner party. We scouted a few restaurants, bought a blueberry gelato cake and balloons.

Once we arrived to the restaurant, myself, Sister Nzinga and Sister Hassanah walked towards the back where Sister Harmoni and Sister Summayah were seated. I noticed they were both acting a bit strange. Almost immediately we all decided to sit outside. Sister Hassanah walked out first, and it was at that moment I saw that Sister Harmoni was hiding the balloons under the table! Talking about a close call (laughs).

Sisters Harmoni and Ebony Muhammad

Sisters: Harmoni, Ebony , Nzinga, Hassanah and Summayah

Although we wanted to sit outside, the party next to us decided to smoke. Honestly, it seemed like everyone in Torino smoked 🙁

As a result, we decided to go back inside to dine. Sister Hassanah still had no idea we were surprising her for her birthday, so it appeared to her that we had forgotten. After we ate, we could tell she was ready to leave. It was then that we had the servers bring out her cake and balloons! We all dove into the delicious gelato cake!

After leaving the restaurant, we enjoyed the rest of the evening walking around the city. By the way, the sun didn’t begin setting in Torino until 9:30pm.

I have to mention this: Earlier that day I was out shopping with Sister Carmen and visiting stores such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton. One of the highlights of that week was watching how she confidently walked in and introduced herself as the Owner of Al-Nisa Designs. As she handed them her card invited them to Torino Fashion Week to see her segment. They were polite and smiled, but I could tell they weren’t taking her as seriously as they should have. Little did they know it would be her segment that would rock that city to its core! I’m sure they’re looking back at that moment wishing that they had spent more time getting to know her. Oh well…*Kanye shrug*

I do have to mention the $1,500 Chanel bag and $750 shoes lined in pearls that I saw before we left the store. Excuse me, this was in Euros so it would actually be $1,770 for the purse and $884.43 in USD for the pair of shoes.

The following nights of dinner were a blur (laughs). We returned to the restaurant from the second night and then a different restaurant the night of the fashion show. I completely understand why The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad said not to eat spaghetti at every meal, because by night four I was done! The following nights I passed on the pasta! Well after this unique veggie pasta… then I was done 😉

 

 

Be sure to check out Part 1: The Story Behind the Missing Luggage! 

August 17, 2017
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Motivation

The Testimony Of Torino Fashion Week (Part 1): The Story Behind The Missing Luggage

written by AQMBlog Staff

By Ebony S. Muhammad 

 

Hurt2Healing Magazine has been blessed to cover a number of events over the past 10 years of publication. One of the top genres in the H2H is the fashion and beauty segment, where we highlight designers, fashion shows and models that exhibit a unique and sophisticate approach to the industry.

This summer has been eventful for H2H Magazine, to say the least! After “Beyond The Veil” fashion showcase hosted by Muslimat Collective and its successful display of modest fashion and sisterhood, the very next month I received a call and invitation to join Sister Carmen Muhammad for the Torino Fashion Week in Italy. What!!! ??? She informed me that she was invited to debut Al Nisa Designs, which includes showcasing the beautiful MGT-GCC (Muslim Girls Training – General Civilization Class) headpiece!

Model: Hassanah Muhammad

 

We understood this was much bigger than any one particular line. It was the opportunity to put the MGT-GCC style of covering, designed by Allah in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad, on a world stage.

I was initially invited as the media correspondent on behalf of Hurt2Healing Magazine and The Final Call Newspaper. Just as I did with the Islamic Fashion Weekend, I interviewed Sister Carmen to promote the honorable invitation that would be the opportunity of a lifetime for her and all of us attending. Along with myself, there would be two other designers assisting Al-Nisa Designs, a couple of her brand ambassadors and those who have modeled for her previously traveling to Torino, Italy.

For the next 30 days I prepared myself for what I needed media wise. I planned the shots I wanted to capture for the video footage, and I purchased the necessary equipment that was travel friendly. A LOT of prayer and spiritual preparation went into this as well. Press releases, interviews and word of mouth about what the MGT-GCC were about to embark upon was given to solicit the support and prayers of the Nation Of Islam and our families.

Each of the sisters traveling received five garments from Al-Nisa Designs to model that showcased the MGT style of covering. The plan was to flood the city of Torino with images of Muslim women in ways they’ve never seen before and that would make it near impossible to turn away from. Everything was set, ready and rock solid for Italy. Yet, as soon as we landed the test and trials and our faith in Allah began.

The line for customs in Milan, Italy

 

After an eight hour flight and a super long line through customs, when we made it baggage claim, all of our luggage with the exception of one, was recovered. The one suitcase that was missing belonged to Sister Carmen, and to make matters worse it was the suitcase with ALL of the Al-Nisa Designs showcase pieces in it! Yea…exactly! Whatever just crossed your mind, triple that feeling in the moment!

Naturally, she was worried (a total understatement). It was suggested to contact the JFK airport in New York where we departed from to confirm whether the suitcase was loaded onto our plane to Italy. It turned out that it was still in the New York airport! There was a sigh of relief that the worse (it being stolen) hadn’t happened but that it was located and on the next flight to Italy. We were told to expect it at 2 a.m. the next morning (Wednesday).

Sister Carmen Muhammad, after receiving news her luggage was still in New York.

We loaded onto the bus from the Milan airport to the city of Torino, which was a little over an hour away. I think just about all of us passed out once we were in our seats, except Sister Carmen, which I’m more than sure her mind was fixed on getting her luggage within arms reach. To give you an idea of the time difference, we departed New York at 6PM. We arrived in Italy at 8AM. We were eight hours ahead of our home cities.

Two whole days passed by and the suitcase was still not in Italy. On the third day (Friday) a few team members were prepared to travel back to Milan’s airport to find out what was going on. Myself, Sister Carmen and one of the other designers Sister Sonya, decided on an alternative considering she was scheduled to attend the B2B meetings with other designers. Yep, Torino Fashion Week had already kicked off and she did not have her showcase pieces. Although her segment wasn’t until Sunday, she had to have her pieces lined up with the other designers in a room specially designated for the fashion week.

Sister Carmen wanted to go by her hotel room first to get the extra room key. She walked in first and I walked in second. Before I made it all the way into the door, I noticed a large purple printed suitcase sitting upright in the hallway. From the description given at the airport, it matched what I was looking at. I looked at Sister Sonya and called after Sister Carmen, “Wait a minute! Is THIS your missing luggage?” Sister Carmen ran back into the hallway and screamed for joy!  Sure enough, it was!

Evidently the concierge brought it to the room after she left earlier that morning. Wow! All praise is due to Allah! She rolled the bag into her room and opened it to make sure all of her pieces were inside and that nothing had been tampered with.

Everything was there and in perfect condition. You could literally see the stress and weight of the situation lift from her shoulders. Her mood was tremendously elevated. All we could do was laugh and thank Allah for the reunion of Sister Carmen and her luggage. We quickly called the other two team members to inform them the suitcase was at the hotel so they wouldn’t make that hour trip to the airport.

Now, Sister Carmen was ready to engage Day 1 of Torino Fashion Week! Watch the below video as she makes her official entrance! Part 2 of The Testimony of Torino forthcoming!

 

DAY 1:: Al-Nisa Designs at Torino Fashion Week, Italy from Ebony S. Muhammad on Vimeo.

August 7, 2017
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Motivation

The Testimony of Torino Fashion Week (Part 3): The Overwhelming Love We Received In Italy

written by AQMBlog Staff

By Ebony S. Muhammad 

On Day 2 we attended the fashion segments to show love and support for the other designers participating in Torino Fashion Week.

 

This was also when the Torino Fashion Week photographer took the photo that went viral of the MGT-GCC recording the fashion show!

 

While we were backstage, one of the Torino Fashion Week photographers were so in awe of Sisters Hassanah and Harmoni that she offered an impromptu photo shoot!

Sister Hassanah Muhammad

 

Sister Harmoni Muhammad

After attending the first set of showcases, we walked down the cobble stoned street to an area filled with cafe`s and boutiques. We enjoyed sister table talks, coffee, tea and cheesecake. I had a nice warm slice of quiche that I enjoyed so much I forgot to take a photo of it :-D.

Everything you see is chocolate!

 

We were approached by so many people who wanted to know who we were and the meaning behind our style of dress. They were incredibly curious and intrigued by us, and since we were all dressed in the rose pink garments, we were hard to miss.

 

 

When they asked who we were, we replied, “The Nation Of Islam”, “Farrakhan” and “MGT-GCC”.  We receive so much love, it was overwhelming and humbling. One after the other, families and individuals came to hug us and speak to us. This was happening every single day we were in Torino, especially when we were in our garments and headpieces. There was no denying that Master Fard Muhammad, The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan have made friends for us all over the world! All praise is due to Allah!

One Italian woman riding her bike circled back to speak to us. When we said the name, “Farrakhan”, she smiled, nodded her head and said, “Yes, yes”! This was certainly a highlight of the week!

Click below to watch the video coverage from DAY 2 of Torino Fashion Week!

ICYMI::

The Testimony of Torino Fashion Week (Part 1): The Story Behind the Missing Luggage

The Testimony of Torino Fashion Week (Part 2): Touring Torino and Milan, Italy

 

DAY 2:: Al-Nisa Designs at Torino Fashion Week, Italy from Ebony S. Muhammad on Vimeo.

August 6, 2017
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Motivation

Women of the Nation of Islam impress at Torino Fashion Week

written by AQMBlog Staff

By Ebony S. Muhammad via The Final Call Newspaper 

 

TORINO, Italy—What more could a person ask for than for their life dream to become a reality before the entire world? Opportunities like that don’t come often so when Muslim fashion designer, Carmin Muhammad, was invited to participate in Torino Fashion Week in Italy, she accepted without hesitation.

Out of 125 participants, only five were invited from the United States, of which Carmin Muhammad of Al Nisa Designs, was the only Black modest designer.

From the moment, the Al Nisa Designs team stepped foot into Torino, Italy everyone wanted to know who they were and about the meaning of their distinct headpiece and garment. Every day numerous individuals and families would approach the group of women to meet them and take photos with them.

It was as if the whole city stopped to behold the presence of God in the Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class (M.G.T. and G.C.C.), the women and girls of the Nation of Islam under the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan. The Muslim sisters received endless compliments on their attire and beauty throughout their weeklong stay. This year, Torino Fashion Week, June 28-July 3, featured a modest designer segment produced by the Islamic Fashion and Design Council, featuring over two dozen designers from around the world including Carmin Muhammad.

Ms. Muhammad, a long-time and experienced designer extended invitations to a small group of Al Nisa Designs team members to accompany her and share what seemed to be a surreal, yet, long-awaited opportunity to represent the Nation of Islam on a world-wide platform that was specially created to showcase modest fashion.

Hassanah Muhammad (Rialto, Calif.), Harmoni Muhammad (Los Angeles), Summayah Muhammad (Rialto, Calif.), Nzinga Muhammad (Rialto, Calif.), this writer Ebony Saffiyah Muhammad (Houston), Scherri Muhammad (Rialto, Calif.), Georgette Muhammad (Rialto, Calif.) and Sonya Muhammad (Calhoun, La.) were among the delighted band of M.G.T. and G.C.C. to take part in the nine day fashion expedition. Along with them was Mikal Muhammad (Los Angeles) who served as the group’s security to ensure the safety of the sisters while in Italy.

“It was such a blessing to be in Torino, Italy at the invitation of Sister Carmin Muhammad, to represent the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad,” expressed Georgette Muhammad, a fellow designer and owner of Freedom Apparel.

“When we came through as sisters and they (people of Torino) saw us dressed in the garment in the same style, everyone was in awe of us,” explained Scherri Muhammad, who assisted as the traveling manager of the Al Nisa Designs collection.

No one could have prepared the group of Muslim women for the reception, support, love and attention that was showered upon them during the whole week in Torino. Even during what was considered “down time” when the group toured the city on foot in their modest Muslim attire and draped scarves, people were drawn to them recognizing that there was something different and special about them. All praises are due to Allah (God)!

On multiple occasions, special accommodations were made for them at dinner to be seated in the area of their choice, that was modest and secure. The video footage produced by the writer of this article Ebony S. Muhammad the publisher of Hurt2Healing Magazine, offered a behind the scenes look at all four days Al Nisa Designs took part in Torino Fashion Week. The video presentations displayed the business networking events and workshops that were facilitated. The debut night of Al Nisa Designs was captured as well as reactions from attendees from all over the world.

The Torino Fashion Week awards ceremony, where Carmin Muhammad received the Top Three Designer award from Ala Hamdan and the Louis Vuitton honorary brand award was recorded and released online for the world to view.

“My goal in filming this entire fashion week was to showcase to the world of what Master Fard Muhammad, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan are producing inside the women and girls in the Nation of Islam, and to bring everyone along for the experience,” said Ebony S. Muhammad.

“When we were walking around in our uniform, it’s not like when we walk around in America. It’s different. It’s kind of like they know what they’re looking at,” said Nzinga Muhammad, an Al Nisa Designs assistant who captured the fashion show video footage seen in the day 4 video compilation.

One thing is for sure, Carmin Muhammad and her team made a lasting impression on the entire city. Various newspapers and media outlets featured images of the M.G.T, referring to the group as “The Pink Ladies In Hijabs.” Photos of the Al Nisa Designs team were featured throughout the official Torino Fashion Week Facebook page. Carmin Muhammad conducted multiple interviews, with Modest Magazine as well as RAI Italia Television. Immediately following the debut night, various news outlets released coverage with headlines referring to how Al Nisa Designs “stole the show.”

 

Read more…

July 26, 2017
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VIDEO: Torino Fashion Week Awards Ceremony, featuring Al-Nisa Designs!

written by AQM Blog Staff

Watch the footage below from the Torino Fashion Week Awards Ceremony in Italy produced by Ebony S. Muhammad of Hurt2Healing Magazine!!! As we previously reported, Sister Carmen Muhammad’s Al-Nisa Designs was listed as top designers and received a full branding package by Ala Hamdan, world renowned film producer/corporate image mogul. Also, was presented with the main award, the Louis Vuitton Fashion Award that includes marketing, branding, etc!

July 7, 2017
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Al-Nisa Designs wins Ala Hamdan and Louis Vuitton Awards at Torino Fashion Week in Italy!

written by AQM Blog Staff

Breaking news from Torino Fashion Week in Italy! According to Twitter and Instagram postings by Sister Ebony Muhammad of Hurt2Healing magazine, Sister Carmen Muhammad’s Al-Nisa Designs was listed as top designers and received a full branding package by Ala Hamdan, world renowned film producer/corporate image mogul. Also, was presented with the main award, the Louis Vuitton Fashion Award that includes marketing, branding, etc!

 

 

 

 

 

July 5, 2017
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VIDEO: Day 2 of Al-Nisa Designs at Torino Fashion Week in Italy

written by AQM Blog Staff

Al Nisa Designs debuts at Torino Fashion Week in Italy and H2H Magazine is along to capture the entire experience! Click below to view Day 2!!

 

DAY 2:: Al-Nisa Designs at Torino Fashion Week, Italy from Ebony S. Muhammad on Vimeo.

July 3, 2017
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Motivation

PRESS RELEASE:: Muslim Designer Carmin Muhammad debuts her Al Nisa Brand Designs at Torino Fashion Week in Italy!

written by AQMBlog Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: In the Works Media

JUNE 12, 2017 ntheworksmedia@yahoo.com
(323) 570-1459

 

Muslim Designer Carmin Muhammad debuts her Al Nisa Brand Designs at Torino Fashion Week in Italy!

“A New Dress, A New Mind, A New Woman!”

 

LOS ANGELES – Muslim designer Carmin Muhammad debuts her Al Nisa Brand Designs modest fashions during Torino Fashion Week in Turin, Italy from June 29 – July 5.

During the highly-acclaimed fashion extravaganza, the International Design Council, Mercedes Benz and Torino is hosting the first ever segment of modest designers.

Over 125 participants from around the world are participating in this 5 day event, which includes designers, buyers, manufactures, fabric retailers, brokers, investors, etc. All designers are slated to have there own individual shows.

“There are five from the United States, and to my knowledge, I’m the only Black designer participating. It is so humbling. I’ve seen the profiles of a lot of the modest designers, and their designs are very impressive, and it’s evident that they have real financial backing,” Muhammad remarks.

She was invited to participate as one of the Islamic Fashion & Design Council’s (IFDC) designers, because her Al Nisa Brand Designs’ expression of true femininity.

“I’m still overwhelmed to have the opportunity as an up-and-coming Muslim designer from the United States to showcase my collection on a world stage with other modest clothing designers from around the world. For me it is extremely humbling because my collection has been inspired by my faith and my conviction to righteousness as a God-fearing women,” says Muhammad. “Today we are witnessing a new era in fashion and how we define beauty. We are embracing and acknowledging that culture and lifestyle is the new expression of designers and is the go-to factor in the process of creating looks and trends,” she adds.

Muhammad thanks IFDC Chairwoman Alia Khan for the great invite, which includes an opportunity to receive the LUXURY AWARD. That comes with an invitation to showcase their collection in Paris, exclusively at Sommet International de la Mode, as well as a VIP invitation to take meetings at select luxury companies in Paris, participate in a photo shoot and more!


Djamila Kerdoun, Sommet International de la Mode founder, states it’s nice to see the historic moment where for the first time a mainstream fashion week is officially recognizing a modest fashion category through IFDC’s great global work, indicates an IFDC press release detailing the historic event.

“We’ve always tried to create more viable opportunities for everyone in the fashion and design space so that we can bring true opportunities to designers and our partners. There’s a need for the leaders of the fashion industry to consider new ways to open doors for designers otherwise fashion events can often be a futile exercise. I believe we are tapping into great potential at TFW and this is just the beginning,” states Khan in the IFDC release.

She feels the greater blessing is to experience it all after the month of Ramadan, and her journey of praying, fasting, and cleansing to become closer to Allah (God). She plans to enjoy the experience as a student and soak up all the knowledge she may receive.

Carmin Muhammad emphasis the opportunity is much bigger than the Al Nisa brand. “Participating in this event provides a gateway into an industry that has in the past not acknowledge or provided a platform for Black designers, who have stylish, cutting-edge designs that would appeal to the masses of stylish women regardless of their religion, race or profession – designs that are for modestly dressed women from every corner of the world, all 196,940,000 square miles of it,” Muhammad states.

 

 

About Al Nisa Brand Designs:

Carmin Muhammad established Al Nisa Designs’ roots in the mid-90’s, with timeless, tailored clothing for modestly dressed women. The force behind this passion came by way of fulfilling a much needed personal desire to be stylishly dressed as a modest, young, woman. For nearly two decades, Muhammad has provided tailored, custom clothing to women around the country. Al Nisa, “The Women,” is a brand designed to create an emotional connection to a segment of modest buyers. The collection’s pieces include tailored suiting, sportswear, special occasion dresses, denim, and a couture line. See at Al Nisa Fashion Brand Designs website / Instagram!

About Islamic Fashion and Design Council:

Islamic Fashion and Design Council (IFDC) is the world’s leading modest fashion and design council representing the Islamic economy and its stakeholders. IFDC, a leading advocate for Islamic fashion, art and design professionals and aspiring talent, has an array of products, services, and effective training programs for all levels. For more information please visit www.IFDCouncil.org.

June 13, 2017
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