“Of the almost 100 designers in this year’s exhibition of American fashion, not a single one is Muslim. Also, not a single hijab-wearing person walked the red carpet,” writes NTagouri
Prabal Gurung’s “Who Gets to Be American?” collection from 2020. Photo: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images When I first saw Prabal Gurung’s “Who Gets to Be American?” collection in 2020, I was moved to tears. I asked myself: Are people of color the only ones critically thinking about this question because our Americanness is constantly called into question? The answer, in the fashion industry, can often feel like we still don’t know what to do with people we do not truly understand.
I’ve looked forward to clearing my schedule to watch the Met Gala red carpet since I was in high school.
And furthermore, why do Muslim folks, or any people of color, constantly have to be overqualified to be welcomed in any space? It’s why most of us are so good at what we do. There’s no room for mediocrity for us to be in the rooms we fought to be in. And even when you’re in the room or at the table, you can never be totally sure if it is because of you or to maintain upkeep for hollowed-out promises of equity.
The fashion industry can’t have it both ways: Muslim folks are sprinkled in some of your front rows at shows, finally on some of your runways, deep in your pockets, and all over your mood boards, yet still kept at bay and expected to play along and be grateful for the opportunity to check off your box. If fashion is going to now claim to be a vehicle of change and impact, fight for the people who are on your mood boards.
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