OPENING DOORS
Arrogance isn’t particularly attractive, I know. But sometimes… it’s so hard not to say I told you so . . . so I won’t. But I just want you all to keep that in the back of your head as you continue reading this. I told you so. OK let me explain. Remember when the first issue of Vogue Arabia came out in March of this year? Gigi Hadid was on the cover and it caused a bit of a controversy. People across the globe (OK mainly on Twitter and some Op-Ed pieces) were offended by the photo. The image captured by duo Inez & Vinoodh depicted Gigi wearing an interpretation of the hijab. To remind you, people found this offensive because they argued that Gigi wasn’t: a) Muslim enough (whatever that means); b) Arab enough (OK . . .) and c) It wasn’t fair that Gigi, given her physical appearance, functions in the world as white woman but can opt to make the hijab glamorous and fashionable when “real” women who wear the hijab every day suffer discrimination. That’s fair.
But my argument at the time was simple: a) Gigi was a model doing a job; b) There is no such thing as being Arab or Muslim enough and c) The best way to “normalise” (it’s a terrible word I know) this “problematic issue” (another terrible two words/phrase, I’m sorry) the West and even Muslims in the West have with the perception of the hijab is to let it turn into a fashion or pop culture accessory (which it is to some) as well as a marker of identity, culture or religion – and the best way to let that happen is through one of the most famous faces in the world, Gigi Hadid.
A lot of my friends (and some readers) found what I said rather offensive. Turning, what some women feel, an important signifier to their religion and faith into a fashion accessory, turning how they choose to dress themselves into a caricature can yield no result except trend-based mockery. I argued the opposite.
Since March, there have been some horrendous world events that have continued to stereotype and victimise Muslims. However in July a Muslim model, our cover girl Halima Aden, was on the cover of Allure magazine. In the midst of all this negative mainstream coverage of Muslims, it would technically be unlikely for a Muslim girl, an unknown face at that, to book the cover of such an illustrious publication. But there she was! Halima has also graced the cover of the third issue of Vogue Arabia. Whether Gigi Hadid or the ex-Vogue Arabia editor, or whoever it was that decided Gigi needed to be on the cover in a hijab, knew what they were doing or not, it has already started a domino affect. Gigi playing dress up struck a chord, reminding people (especially Americans) that their world is much more diverse than they understand and with that diversity come more than one interpretation of beautiful, fashionable, “normal.” Hadid’s cover for Vogue Arabia allowed for a cover for Aden on Allure. It might not be completely fair for a multitude of reasons, but unfortunately for now, it’s true. I told you so!
MAAN JALAL
Pop culture enthusiast, Willy Wonka Golden Ticket hunter and Hogwarts Graduate Class of 2001