How One Egyptian Content Creator Is Redefining Italian Modest Fashion Through The Power of Social Media
Milan-based multifaceted creative Aya Mohamed shares why she felt it was important to get her start in modeling and fashion as a Muslim woman; dressing as the most powerful form of self-expression; and her plans for the future…
Born in Egypt but raised in one of the world’s fashion capitals, Aya Mohamed (better known as @milanpyramid) is a fashion and beauty enthusiast that never falls short of making her voice heard, especially when it comes to shedding light on issues that she holds dear to her heart – most notably ones pertaining to Muslim women and girls, growing up outside of the Arab region.
A political science graduate by day and content creator by night, the 25-year-old trailblazer has been has gracefully carving out her own niche, turning modest fashion looks into enviable outfits.
Proud of her Arab and Muslim heritage, living in Italy isn’t the easiest of places when it comes to making a modest fashion statement. Here, Bazaar speaks with Aya as she gives us insight into her creative ambitions, the challenges she encounters as a Muslim fashion blogger and what the future has in store for her.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Why did you start modeling? It’s very much an industry that hasn’t always been accepting of individuals from certain cultures…
Aya Mohamed (AM): I got my passion from parents, who have always been super stylish; in fact, some of the pieces that I wear today are actually from their closet when they were my age.
For so long the fashion industry was not welcoming to anyone that could be considered as “different” and we are finally challenging the status quo; it is important to bring change and show people that we are here and that we matter. Although I have always loved fashion since I was a child, sketching outfits in my notebooks, I never considered it as a career for the reason above which is why, at university, I chose to study political science.
HBA: As someone from an ethnic and religious minority in Italy, do you believe that misrepresentation could have been the initial propeller for your wanting to start a career within the industry?
AM: Absolutely, yes. Even though I have lived in Milan since I was only a few months old, I didn’t grow up surrounded by a lot of Muslims or Arabs. When I made the decision to wear the hijab I was facing so many new things all alone; for the first time, I was experiencing islamophobia.
Throughout my struggle I searched for representation and inclusion in the media, but it was impossible. That’s when I felt like I needed to take the situation into my hands first of all for me, and for everyone else who shares the same feelings.
HBA: You’ve proven first hand that it is possible to be stylish, whilst remaining within the barriers of your faith. Is this something that is important to you?
AM: It is the most important thing for me; nothing comes above my faith and religion. It was very significant for me to wear the hijab around the age of 18, because it came with a purpose. I studied Islam… before taking that step, so when it happened I was very sure of it… [but] I still wanted to be able to show my personality. I believe that fashion is one of the coolest forms of self-expression; we use pieces of cloth and our bodies to show the world how we want to be perceived. The hijab is a way to show your religious identity. The two do not contrast each other, but they can complement and enhance each other. When I started sharing more about modest fashion and beauty on my platforms non-Muslims were surprised to see a “normal girl.”
People in the West used to have this idea of the Muslim girl as: submitted, shy, oppressed, badly dressed, not taken care of etc. You can imagine the shock of seeing me with a full face of make-up and a full Prada outfit, being super modest and very on-trend.
HBA: Do you receive any backlash from people that think that what you do is unfaithful or 3eib ? If so, how do you deal with it and what do you have to tell these people ?
AM: Something that I promised myself very early on in my social media journey was that I would never speak ill of the Muslim community, because we already get so much hate from everywhere. But we have to be honest here: everything has its good and its bad, and our community has some major issues that need to be solved.
HBA: How does it feel to work with major powerhouses within the fashion industry, like Gucci or Prada?
AM: I couldn’t be grateful enough for these amazing opportunities, it is so satisfying to see your work and struggles rewarded. Not to sound corny, but every time I see a Muslim girl making it somewhere my heart just explodes. We need all the representation possible.
HBA: Can you share with us anything exciting your have in the pipeline for the future? Any new projects coming up?
AM: I am so happy to have embraced my creativity and let it run wild! I am always ready for new projects and can’t wait to jump onto the next one.I am actually working on something super new for me but, inshAllah, it could be the first step in my future.
I just took on the role of creative director for a collaboration with The Hijabs, a new Italian scarf brand that wants to combine Italian luxury with a modest tradition. I will be directing their next campaign and I’m super excited for it.
Follow Aya on Instagram @milanpyramid.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@picturaultra