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AFTER donning a blue Cinderella dress, Sind Yanti carefully arranges her pale yellow “hijab“, or traditional headscarf, into folds that resemble hair.
She is among a growing number of young Muslim women in Southeast Asia taking part in “hijab” costume play, finding creative ways to incorporate the head covering into colorful fantasy costumes.
Yanti is inspired by Disney and Japanese anime characters, with artful hijab designs that resemble wigs or hoods. She can express herself while preserving the Islamic requirement of modest dress for women, she said.
Her made-to-order designs cost between IDR250,000 rupiah (US$18.79) and IDR500,000 (US$37.52) each.
A combination photo of Muslim cosplayers Nurul Athirah, 21, Nursyamimi and Nurul Syakirah, 23, during a cosplay event in Petaling Jaya. Source: Reuters
The fashion play is also popular in neighboring Muslim-majority Malaysia, where young people dressed as superheroes, warriors and princesses flocked to a cosplay show in Kuala Lumpur.
Among them was 20-year-old film student Nursyamimi Minhalia, who wore a black hijab cut to form a fringe with two buns on either side.
She did not include the hijab when she began cosplaying in 2012, but was later inspired by others wearing the headscarf.
“It’s quite challenging. Usually, I pick a character that covers most of my body, so it’s easier for me to wear it in the ‘Muslimah’ style,” she said.
Costumed role play, which can feature revealing outfits and elaborate hair styles, has long been part of the fan culture linked to anime and comics.
Muslim women cosplayers take a selfie during a cosplay event at a mall in Petaling Jaya. Source: Reuters
Hijab cosplay is a new phenomenon that appears to be growing in appeal among the wider Muslim community.
Sharifah Maznah Syed Mohd, 48, whose son is an avid cosplayer, said the role-playing hobby was acceptable as long as participants stuck within religious boundaries.
Yanti says hijab cosplay has helped her stay true to her faith while enjoying the cosplay experience.
“If I took off my hijab just because of cosplay, I’d feel sorry for myself,” she said. “It would feel like there is a conflict inside my heart.” – Reuters
The post Hijab cosplay takes off as Muslim women embrace fan culture appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com