Kerala fashion brand introduces ‘denim purdah’ for college students,professionals

Aligarh Muslim University withdraws dress curbs on girl students

“We launched the product in the market during Ramzaan. The response,especially in Kochi,is encouraging. We are looking at college-goers and young professionals. Even the Gulf does not have a denim purdah,” the company’s managing director Razool Gafoor said.

Empowering women,silently

While the fabric weight of regular jeans is 11 ounces — denim weight is measured in ounce per square yard — this particular item is made from denim weighing 8 ounces.

“The denim purdah would boost the confidence of Muslim women. It would be a suitable dress for students and professionals. It would make them look cute,’’ said Girls Islamic Organisation of India state president P Ruksana.

But some,like professor M N Karassery,aren’t fans of the new invention. “The purdah has a mix of business,religious politics and religious fundamentalism behind it. Gulf influence and growing fundamentalism have contributed to the boom in purdah.”

Writer and doctor Khadija Mumtaz said: “The purdah is meant to cover the body from the eyes of others. When you make it fashionable,you attract more attention. There is a clear compartmentalisation of Muslim women by making them dress in purdah and making it more fashionable aims to win acceptance for this.”