Muslim Sisterhood is an artistic collective working across the creative arts to create an inclusive community centering around Muslim women and non-binary Muslims. It was founded via Instagram by Lamisa Khan and artists Zeinab Saleh and Sara Gulamali. The collective’s work has been spotlighted by publications such as Vogue, Dazed, Creative Review and The Photoworks Annual.

Khaoula (she/her) is a writer and podcaster. Her work explores the intersections of culture, identity and religion. Find her fighting fit with her female Muslim kickboxing crew.

Saara (she/her) is studying Interior and Spatial design in London alongside being an active photographer, illustrator and jewelry maker. Spot her in the park chilling with her good food and even better friends.

Laura (she/her) is a journalist, inspired by her love for all things culture and music she has written for the likes of Galdem and GUAP. She is a passionate foodie in her downtime and loves R&B.

We caught up with the creatives to find out how their style enables them to create next.

Khaoula, wearing the ‘Earthy Tones’ Converse All Star High.

What inspires you to Create Next for your community?

My community is filled with an incredible array of stories, cultures and talents. Yet sometimes it’s hard to feel like your community is represented and celebrated especially in the media. I create with the aim to inspire the next generation of young people within my community, so they feel represented and imagine endless possibilities of what they can achieve

How does your style enable you to Create Next?

Feeling good in what I wear has been an essential part of my creative journey. In challenging moments where I feel like I have lacked confidence, a good outfit has always been what gives me the boost to push myself to new heights. If I look my best, I know I can be and create the best!

How does your faith inform your styling? 

I believe that faith informs a lot on how I dress and how I wish to dress in the future Insha’Allah. My faith is a part of my identity, and it means that modesty plays a big part in that. It has played a really important part of my journey.

What do you want to Create Next? (literally or figuratively)

I want to create pieces of work that I am proud of, that represent my community and heritage and faith in a positive and celebratory light.

Who do you want to Create Next with?

Some of the best experiences that I have had so far creating has been with the collaboration, support and mentorship of other Muslim Women. I would love to continue creating pieces of work that celebrate and uplift my community and hopefully inspire the next generation to create next.

 

Saara, wearing the ‘Earthy Tones’ All Star High Lift.

What inspires you to Create Next for your community?

I’m really blessed to be surrounded by amazing Muslim woman, my friends, family, culture and upbringing inspire my work.

How does your style enable you to Create Next?

I use the way I dress to express my creativity and personality. As a Muslim woman my style centres my modesty and also serves as a way to represent myself & the community I belong in

How does your faith inform your styling? 

As a visible Muslim, I am a walking, talking representation whether I like it or not. Often people have a preconceived notion of what I’m like. Seeing other people who dress like me and come from similar upbringings is important because it reminds me that being Muslim is a blessing and that I’m not alone. The way I dress is a constant reminder of my faith and my trust in Allah.

What do you want to Create Next? (literally or figuratively)

As a spatial designer I am always interested in space and the individuals and communities that occupy them. I’m currently really into spaces that have intimate and personal meanings, it’s my focus to create spaces that centre my community and uplift them.

Who do you want to Create Next with?

I love creating with likeminded people who understand the intersections of my identity.  Being a part of creative collectives like Muslim Sisterhood is so important because it allows us to work in industries that don’t traditionally include us and gives us control over our own narratives. That’s when I feel the most inspired because I can be creative without any inhibitions.

 

Laura, wearing the ‘Earthy Tones’ Run Star Hike.

What inspires you to Create Next for your community?

My peers, to witness a growing community of young, fearless and aspirational teens and young adults who invest in their talents, defining the odds set against them is what pushed me to write in the first place and continues to inspire my work.

How does your style enable you to Create Next?

My style gives me a sense of individuality and identity, feeling good in what I wear gives me a boost of confidence to express myself freely and take centre stage in my own little word – even if that’s just when working behind the screen. 

How does your faith inform your styling?

Muslim representation to me is being to fearlessly navigate in spaces that other Muslim’s, specifically Muslim women, may feel they don’t belong in. This active visibility means so much more to our community than those outside of it may understand as it provides a sense of comfort and familiarity in a time where we’ve been faced with endless prejudice. As we move forward in society, I hope to see more to allow us to have access to the same spaces as everyone else.

What do you want to Create Next? (Literally or figuratively)

I want to report on stories that feel personal to me and all parts of my identity, as I have recently gone through a period of introspection and had the chance to really connect with my background and origins. I would love to cover stories that highlight my African Origin, My Islamic Foundation, my experiences as a young woman. More than anything, I would like to create or be a part of bigger projects that aim to highlight individuals that deserve to be discovered and shared with the world.

Who do you want to Create Next with?

I would love the chance to work with more women that come from the same communities that I am from, both ethnic communities and religious communities in the creative industry. I think being in a room with inspirational women working together on something that we are all passionate about would be such a dream and hopefully something that will happen in the near future.

 

Shop the Converse ‘Earthy Tones’ pack now.

And see more of the story on Instagram @officeshoes!

#OFFICELOVESCONVERSE

Share: