My sister sent me a link about Turkish fashion week the other day.  As usual, a link leads to a site that leads to another site and then maybe a blog, perhaps an online store…the cycle goes on.  After hours of exploring, I came across an interesting announcement on a blog, “Christian Lacroix 100% Silk Scarves Today @ ideeli.” I found it interesting to see that societies that are more rigid or strict don’t just take the easy road when it comes to dressing.  I’m not going to lie…if I had to think about how to cover up every inch of my body and still look trendy, I would pull my hair out.  Islamic women are clearly skillful in throwing in commercial style, trends, brands and designers into their every day looks.

In Islamic societies, fashion is not overlooked.  It is in fact, very much alive.  Though Islamic women dress much more modestly, the latest trends still make their way into these cultures (in their own unique ways of course).  While scrolling through some Islamic style blogs, I was surprised to see how similar my ideal looks for a casual Friday, date night or a weekend stroll were with theirs.  The fashion in these regions are far from dark hues and baggy shapes.  Every year, the runways of Islamic Fashion Festival hail colourful shades from all across the colour spectrum and silhouettes that are more shape defining.

Designers and retailers are beginning to (or if not already) cashing in on this, as in the case of Christian Lacroix’s silk scarves.  It’s interesting to see how fashion unfolds in its own way around the world and very refreshing to know that not all fashion trends are governed by what the West considers the norm.

Image Source: IndiaTimes.com, TaFreeMela.com,  WeLoveHijab.com

It was four years ago that we met style-challenged Betty.  What was an initial attempt to get into the publishing industry turned into a warm, humourous and heart-felt comedy that became a household name.  I always loved this show.  The exaggerated storylines were always fun and it explored the fashion industry in a way that no other show did.

The best part of the show for me was none other than the fashion.  With the genius mind of Patricia Field behind the costuming, who could expect anything less than perfection? Field created amazing, fashion-forward looks which fit every character like a glove.  For Betty, though the task was to create looks to emulate a fashion wreck, it was still a pleasure to watch!

Week after week, Betty would trot to Mode in an insane mix of bright colours, explosion of prints and granny-looking garments.  Here’s the thing…most of what Betty sported was from a designer label; from Anna Sui to Marc Jacobs to Prada.  Somehow, it just worked for Betty’s eccentric, unique sense of style.

Throughout the show, as Betty got a bit slimmer, hair got shinier, eyebrows thinner and as she discovered more body-hugging silhouettes, Betty slowly understood what fashion was…the meaning behind it, what drives it, how it is inspired and how it can connect with people.  The underlying element of fashion (from the out-of-this-world storylines and crazy drama to the cluelessness and constant mockery of Betty) paved the way for Betty to become a star.  A character that clearly seemed disastrous on day one slowly seeped into our hearts, so much that we started rooting for her.  Betty represented the brave few, risk-takers that are gutsy and bold yet honest and compassionate.  Betty was in fact, what we like to call, beautiful.

Image Source: Abc.com, Starpulse.com, Ugly-Is-In.com