Italy: Muslim fashion store to be launched online

Muslim women around the world will be able to buy fine Italian clothing in the first Islamic fashion store to be launched online on Tuesday.

The site is being launched by a young Italian Muslim convert who runs her own fashion business near Verona in the country’s north.

“I make clothes based on the Islamic model that respects Muslim demands based on the (Islamic) Sharia law and also compatible with Italian fashion,” said Giorgia Caliari, in an interview with Adnkronos International (AKI).

“By doing this, I intend to fulfil the needs of the sisters that live in Europe,” said Caliari, now known by her Muslim last name Afnan after converting to Islam seven years ago.

Afnan said that she is designing long coats that reach the knee, as well as dresses that go with the hijab, or Islamic headscarf.

“Right now I do not sell the Niqab (veil that covers the face) for a problem of practicality. I personally do not use it because I use the hijab, and thus I do not know about its suitability.”

Afnan runs her own small business in the northern Italian town of Caselle di Sommacampagna near Verona. A local tailor in her in town produces the clothes to her specifications.

“Mine is the first Islamic clothing store produced in our country, and I hope this gives rise to other entrepreneurial initiatives like mine, that have as an aim, to help Muslims live their lives in respect of their faith, compatible with the rules of this country,” said Afnan.

Afnan is married to a young Palestinian from a small village near the central city of Hebron in the West Bank and they have three children.

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