Crafting 21st-Century Trend-Compliant Fashion Collections for Muslim Women: Ghana in Perspective

Abstract

Purpose: The study examined the integration of global fashion trends with Islamic modesty principles in clothing design for Ghanaian Muslim women. It explored the blending of contemporary styles with the requirements of Islamic dress codes, considering the increasing diversity and modernization of Muslim women's fashion preferences. Method: The study utilized art-based studio research and the double Helix Praxis-Exegesis Model, which involves customer profiling, concept creation using mood boards, and design techniques. Ten respondents were purposively selected and interviewed. Feedback from interviews ensured the designs resonated with the target audience. Findings and conclusion: The study discovered that contemporary Islamic fashion combines modesty with modern trends, emphasizing the need for designers to respect religious dress codes and concludes that fashion in Muslim contexts should carefully blend global trends with Islamic modesty, considering cultural nuances. Social implications: The results highlight the significance of cultural and religious sensitivity in fashion design and underscore the role of religion in fashion choices and the necessity for designers, particularly those in Islamic contexts, to comprehend and adhere to religious dress codes. It also indicates the potential of fashion as a means of cultural expression and identity reinforcement among Ghanaian Muslim women. Value/originality: This study contributes to understanding Islamic fashion trends and the challenges and opportunities in designing modest yet fashionable clothing for Muslim women. It provides a unique perspective on blending religious requirements with contemporary fashion, offering insights valuable for designers, marketers, and policymakers in fashion and cultural studies