Hijabtrendz Exclusive: Kavacki Couture

Elif Kavacki is the woman behind the hijab fashion line Kavacki Couture. The fashions she designs are geared toward Muslim women who wear hijab and are looking for something that is fashionable and yet still adheres to the guidelines of hijab.

Kavacki’s story is very unique because of the way she ended up in the fashion industry. To begin with Kavacki moved from Turkey to Dallas, Texas when she was only 12 years old and says her family moved to the United States because of the ban on Hijab in Turkey.

“Most people do not know that even though Turkey is a Muslim country and is considered a part of the Middle East, it is more of a European country.  Church and State are separate (similar to France) and as a result, young Muslim girls who wear hijab are not allowed to attend school, work, or enter any governmental buildings, government owned hospitals, and many other places with their hijab on. This was very restricting to our family of three girls, and in search for freedom to practice our religion, my parents decided to move to the States in order for us to pursue our education.”

Fashion runs in Kavacki’s family and with sisters and a mother who all wear hijab, it wasn’t too far of a stretch for her to become interested.

“Designing Islamic Women’s Wear  has been a dream of mine since I was very young.  I started wearing hijab at a very young age, I always looked up to my mother and my sisters’ sense of style.  I liked how their hijab wasn’t just Islamic attire but a fashion statement.”

Muslim girls modeling Kavacki's invention "Comfijab" a comfortable hijab that fits with any outfit.

Kavacki says that in search of her own style she began to combine clothes that were Islamic, practical, and chic.

“Since this came very natural to me, I decided I could use my talent in a way to serve Islam and help other Muslim women dress Islamic and chic and have the confidence to be proud of their hijab.”

To achieve her dream Kavacki went to school and pursued classes in design while obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Kavacki is not only the founder and designer of Kavacki Couture, she’s also a fashion writer for the international newspaper Zaman.

Asked whether she thinks fashion for Muslim women is attainable Kavacki says yes.

“The biggest challenge in the U.S. is the fact that conservative clothing is very difficult to find. There is a huge need that is not being met.  Muslim women are constantly in search for clothes that can make their life easier.  Practical garments that are quick and easy to put on but have the look and the trend of today’s fashion.  In the U.S. we have a hard time even finding scarves to cover our hair because it’s mostly seasonal, and sold more during the winter.  Once it’s within reach to all Muslim Women, I think we will no longer be behind in fashion.”

For many Muslim women in the West, it may seem that all of the hip trends for hijab fashion are happening overseas in countries like Turkey where there are actual fashion shows just for hijab. Kavacki says that’s because Turkey is very European and Turkish women are very influenced by the fashion scene surrounding them wehther they wear hijab or not.

A Muslim cowgirl outfit by designer Elif Kavacki

“Unlike the U.S. where you can throw on a long tunic, a pair of jeans and walk out the door with your flip flops, in Turkey you have to be dressed your best at all times. The way you dress, the way you carry yourself, shows your income, level of education, your upbringing and what is acceptable according to Turkish culture. For example, all schools require a uniform to be worn. Public or Private.  So when you put all of those factors together, women really go out of their way to look best. Most young girls who wear hijab walking down the street in Turkey look like they just got of the catwalk. Turkish women are also willing to spend a lot of money for clothes.  They follow trends and apply them instantly.”

Turkish women are known for their fashion sense, so what would be Kavacki’s take on her own personal style? While she lives in the U.S. she does run her business out of both Dallas and Ankara, which makes us wonder how she identifies in terms of fashion trends, and how that influences her designs.”

“I would say my fashion style is Islamic, Chic and Trendy.  A Muslimah who wears my design is often asked “is this religious attire or a fashion statement”? The answer is BOTH. I’m influenced by anything and everything. I would say I’m definitely influenced by Turkish Culture and architecture and Ottoman History. Yet I am also influenced by the practicality of American fashion.”

Kavacki says her clothing line isn’t just about fashion and trends but it’s also about reaching out to women who are looking for practical garments that will give them confidence and make them feel proud about wearing hijab. As well as to provide women who choose to dress conservatively with choices of beautiful clothes.

Dallas, Texas may seem like a random place to hold a fashion show, but in the last year Kavacki was invited three times by various organizations (including non-Muslim one’s) to showcase her clothing. Kavacki’s fashion shows are not just about the outside appearance, but about showcasing something deeper and that is the diversity of Muslim women.

“I gladly accepted because this was our chance to visually show that contrary to what is portrayed in the media Hijab is beautiful and Muslim Women are far from being oppressed. We chose Muslim Girls as models to present our clothing, and we matched each outfit to the presenters personality. For example, the young muslim girl who presented the Islamic Equestrian Attire is an Equestrienne in real life, the Muslim Lady who presented Active Wear and did “step” on stage is an aerobics instructor. We also provided information about the models on the program to show the status of Muslim Women in the community. We had professionals, students, teachers, engineers, and that made a huge statement about how active Muslim Women are.”

Designer Elif Kavacki with models after runway show in Dallas, TX

The first ever Islamic equestrienne riding habit was designed by Kavacki and she says it’s one of her favorite pieces in the collection.

“It is the first one ever designed in the history of fashion. It looks amazing. It represents the Muslim Woman of the 21st Century. She wears her hijab proudly, looks very stylish, and is active in sports. The active wear I’ve designed is also very practical, and since working out is hard as it is, putting on practical clothes and a practical hijab we call “comfijab” (comfortable hijab) makes life so much easier.”

Kavacki’s designs are unique in that she is the first Muslim woman to actually design outfits that incorporate the lifestyle of a modern Muslim woman that is active and involved in society.

Kavacki says since her company is more of a couture house, they do not have items of clothing available for purchase online. However, anyone who is interested, has questions or would just like advice on fashion can reach her through her website.

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