For Melbourne fashion designer, Sara Awamleh, clothing has the power to transcend cultural barriers.
Her new collection, , looks to do exactly that, and to spread the message that being "modest" in what you wear is OK.
“I designed a modest wear evening collection, to show that modesty can be for everyone, not just Muslims. You don’t have to associate it with the Hijab,” she told SBS Arabic24.
“I want modesty to be mainstream and I want everyone to know that when you’re covered, it’s empowering because you’re showing people who you really are."
Ms Awamleh believes that today’s fashion scene has the power to separate people.
The message she’s trying to spread for her new collection is to bring people together by making sure modest fashion is available at ordinary fashion outlets.
“You either have girls who are fully covered or girls who are completely revealing. I’ve never seen unity. it’s always separated in fashion," she said.
"When you go to Chanel, Dior or Zara, you only see super revealing designs. What about women who want something in between, modest while showing some skin? Or maybe they’re more comfortable being fully covered.”
Born in Australia, Ms Awamleh moved with her family to Saudi Arabia when she was eight years old.
Sara Awamleh Source: Instagram
Having lived there for twelve years, she struggled to express herself given the conservative nature of the country and the fact that foreign women must abide by the strict dress code which requires them to wear Abaya, long robes, in public.
“There were certain laws that you have to follow; you have to wear Abaya (long black coat) which is restricting because you don’t have the freedom to wear what you want," she said.
"I learned how to respect different culture and learn how to be identified in a certain way. When you are fully dressed you’ll have to get to know the person.”
She said that despite the Hijab being obligatory for some Muslims, not everyone would necessarily wear it.
Moreover, she reiterates her strong support for free choice for women, and that women can be beautiful and empowered no matter how they’re dressed.
“I’ve been wearing a Hijab since I was 13 years old and I find it empowering because people would be able to see my real beauty which makes me feel confident and empowered,” she said.
She said through the collection, which was inspired by Queensland's Daintree rainforest, she hoped to shine a light on the effects of pollution and deforestation.
Sara Awamleh's Daintree collection Source: Instagram
Speaking to the younger generation, Ms Awamleh wanted teenagers to express themselves the way they see fit regardless of what the latest fashion trends promote.
“Youth get confused about the type of outfit they should wear. Girls specifically are forced to wear a certain way to please society," she said.
"Most Muslim brands advertise that women should be covered all the time, although they can wear whatever they want at home.
“There’s a lot of judgement. My main challenge is breaking the association.
“We should all be one and stop the judgemental mentality.”
