Islamic fashion industry: Potential economic engine for Malaysia

Islamic fashion industry can be the potential economic engine for the country and compete in the international market, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri.

She said nowadays the Islamic world was growing more prosperous, the style of modern Muslim women was evolving while Islamic fashion was expanding globally.

"Please bear in mind, if you think of business as 'amal jariah' you can imagine how many job opportunities you can create for designers, tailors and people related to this industry," she said at the Sheikhahub World Islamic Fashion Forum (SWIFF), here Friday.

"I am aware that generations of today are venturing into the trend of selling 'hijab', prayer clothes, abaya or jubah online, so I strongly advocate those who are keen in venturing into business to explore opportunities within and beyond the parameters of Islamic fashion," she said.

Islamic fashion

Hijab-donning Malaysian women watch as a model presents creations by designer Serikapas at the Islamic Fashion Festival during the 2014 Malaysia International Fashion Week in Kuala Lumpur last June 20. - AFP Photo/Manan Vatsyayana

She said local talents need to be educated on how to blend modern designs and cuts with Islamic values to create a sellable and profitable collection of Islamic fashion line that was of high standard.

Nancy said the importance of quality and the need to maintain international standards should be highlighted to enable designers to compete in the international market.