Features

Instead, picture this: a sea of colour, women of different ages, ethnicities, accents and yes they all speak English.

Dressed in striking saris, kaftans, some in jeans and t-shirts, sporting many different hairstyles and make-up that went well beyond henna.

There was nothing Topshop typical about these women. The only thing they had in common was their religion: Muslim.

Photo blurred to disguise identities

First impressions

As the only white, blue eyed and blonde haired woman, I walked into Beauchamp College hall in Leicester and was greeted by bright smiles and intrigued faces.

Yet although I did not 'look' Muslim, no-one picked up on this, but instead they paid more attention to the hefty camera over my shoulder, which one concerned lady eased over my head, insisting I take a seat at her table.

They say looks can be deceiving and as I removed my coat, someone asked me if I was Iraqi. Pity, as I've always wanted an Arabian look.

Fashion v Modesty?

Muslim women are often perceived as being oppressed and their dark coloured clothing can often be used to reinforce this stigma.

The traditional black abayas (black cloak dress) that is worn by many is automatically identified by non-Muslims with sadness, but for 34-year-old designer Sophia Kara, women can be fashionable and at the same time celebrate their religion in the correct way.

Until now, the fashion industry has neglected to design clothing for those women whose faith compels them to dress modestly.

Meet the designer

As a British Muslim herself, Sophia turned to her religious roots to cater for women who seek to wear the latest fashion:

"Fashion is individual to everyone and every woman should be able to express their identity through the way that they dress and be a confident woman in a diverse world.

"Every one of us is unique, so I am giving Muslims an alternative to the black traditional dress but keeping the clothing modest, which is the complete opposite to the mainstream fashion industry."

A year on from the launch of her online clothing store, Imaan collections, Beauchamp College was the fifth stop for Sophia to show off her innovative designs.

A fusion of fashion

Over 300 women travelled from all over the UK, keen to eye up contemporary Islamic designs and enjoy a night out with the girls, minus men.

Photo blurred to disguise identities

The night saw an exciting fusion of Asian, Western and Islamic fashion and raised over £6,500 for local charity Ansaar, (meaning helpers in Arabic).

During dinner, while I feasted on a delectable array of Indian dishes and rice served up from giant size cauldrons, I had time to listen to the women and attempt to make responsive expressions with my mouth as it tingled with spices.

But not once did any of these women try to thrust their religion upon me. They discussed Islam, because I wanted to know the facts. But this was by no means the topic of the night, we talked about more serious issues that women face everyday, for example how not to stick your eyelids together when trying to glue false eyelashes on!

Ansaar (Helpers)

Laughter aside, the evening was also for a serious cause. The ticket proceeds and money raised from auctioning off some of the collections was donated to Ansaar, a charity that works hard to provide a better quality of life for people with learning disabilities in the community.

One of the carers, Fatima Sidat, whose 20-year-old daughter has a learning disability, explained that if it wasn't for Ansaar, her daughter would be at home leading an inactive life:

"This [Ansaar] gives her the chance to get out of the house, take part in activities such as cookery and art, giving her a way to meet new people and socialise."

According to co- founder, Rehana Sidat, who organised the event and has been fundraising for four years, the money raised is going towards running the new centre where Ansaar has recently moved.

"We were all women"

For one Saturday night the school hall had become a house of fashion. From blazing fluorescent two pieces, to elegant Egyptian-esque robes, I went away feeling my faded jeans and black polo neck were inadequate and I was the one looking 'sad.'

The evening proved that Muslim women do know how to take their veils off and let their hair down. It was only at the end when they covered their beauty as they left, did I remember that although I was different to these women, we were all women.

 Different shapes, sizes and personalities, but still women. All with our own identities.