An exhibition showcasing Muslim women’s contemporary fashion will open at the Western Australian Museum – Albany and the Katanning Art Gallery this week.

Faith, fashion, fusion: Muslim women’s style in Australia focuses on an emerging modest fashion market and the work of Australian Muslim designers and entrepreneurs.

A group of well-respected Australian Muslim women also share their experiences of faith and fashion.

WA Museum – Albany Manager Rachael Wilsher-Saa said the Katanning Art Gallery is hosting the full exhibition, but people can get a taste of what’s on display in Albany.

“The WA Museum – Albany will share the stories of five Muslim women and explore how they combine faith and fashion during their everyday lives as a comedy writer, lawyer, author, and as students,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.

The exhibition was developed in consultation with a wide range of individuals, including those from Australian Muslim communities and organisations.

“While most Muslims in Australia are Australian born, their families come from more than 70 different countries,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.

“Faith, fashion, fusion will help people better understand the diversity of women in the community.  It is a great exploration of how we all use fashion to reflect our identities.”

Ms Wilsher-Saa said visitors will see a range of modest fashion from the famous Burqini, to denim and red carpet dresses.

“It is interesting that many of the designs hold appeal for a wide range of women looking for fashionable clothing,” she said.

Faith, fashion, fusion is a travelling exhibition from Sydney’s Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences - Powerhouse Museum.

The exhibition opens at the WA Museum – Albany and the Katanning Art Gallery 14 March until 14 June 2015.

Faith, fashion, fusion will then move to the WA Museum – Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

For more information visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/albany/faith-fashion-fusion-muslim-womens-style-australia

Ends

Media contacts

Sharna Craig

Media and Publicity Officer

Western Australian Museum

sharna.craig@museum.wa.gov.au

 

Jess Hagley

Acting Library and Gallery Coordinator

Shire of Katanning

gallery@katanning.wa.gov.au