By Jordan Koziol
Columnist
Name: Abrar Ebady
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
JK: Describe your style in three words.
EA: A little vintage, chic and modest.
JK: What was the last person, place or thing that inspired a fashion choice of yours?
EA: In Abu Dhabi and Mecca, the women wear abayas (long black dresses) and they are super modest, yet at the same time, there are so many elegant styles. Dolce & Gabbana actually just launched a new abaya and hijab collection. In America, it’s typical to just wear pants and a shirt, and modesty is particular to each person’s style, but overall, our society does not particularly endorse that style and it can be challenging to dress modestly and fashionably at the same time. I’m inspired by the way Middle Eastern women have preserved and maintained their culture with elegance and beauty.
JK: In Dubai, what was the most unique style that you saw?
EA: The Dubai Mall is like a fashion show! I was dressed pretty casually, but everyone else was in Hermes slippers and ornate, over-the-top outfits. I thought I was at a runway show because everyone was so dressed up! Many of the women wore fabulous abayas with special designs or other modern and chic styles. Muslim women are able to still look fabulous while following religious beliefs. That’s one of my favorite things about Middle Eastern and Muslim American fashionistas.
JK: What is your favorite outfit currently?
EA: I’ve been wearing boyfriend jeans — they’re loose, but not torn… OK, so maybe they’re mom-boyfriend jeans! I love them because I can throw anything over them and it doesn’t violate my religious beliefs. I also like to fold them and wear them with booties.
JK: What is your go-to campus outfit?
EA: Usually I’ll wear jeans I can fold up and dress them up with a cute sweater, cardigan or vest. For a Muslim girl, you can easily dress up your entire outfit by how you style your scarf.
JK: What are some different ways to style scarves?
EA: You can tie it into a bow, you can wrap it around in the typical scarf style, style it into a turban (which is pretty popular nowadays!) or you can tie it to the side and wear it loose. I like to wear mine in a bow.
JK: What would you want to wear on the red carpet?
EA: Oh my! If I were getting an Oscar, I would probably want to wear Zuhair Murad or Elie Saab (his dresses are only $20,000 — no big deal). I would totally dress it up with a cute silk scarf and Manolo Blahnik pumps. Finally, what outfit is complete without diamonds? I would sprinkle on some Harry Winston diamonds to complete my look!
JK: If you could dress for any style decade, which would it be and why?
EA: Totally the ’80s… and it’s definitely coming back in! Everything was simple yet cute and people had a great sense of style. I love the loose, high-top pants, belts and jean jackets.
