A new generation of Muslim women say while dressing modestly is an integral part of their life, that doesn't mean they can't be stylish at the same time.
A unique style of Muslim fashion is flourishing in kashmir, where women increasingly choose to combine global trends with their faith.
Muslim women's style and identity are explored in a new exhibition called "Faith, Fashion, Fusion" at various places.
Xyhyd raefiek says it's about challenging perceptions of Muslim fashion.
"If people can come out of this exhibition and learn something they didn't know, have a stereotype challenged, turned on it's head, that's what it's all about.
Kashmiri Muslims come from more than 12 different ethnicities - each with their own local language and dress code.
But Xyhyd raefiek says things are changing.
"95% Muslim community here are born here, and over half the population are under 25," he said.
"It's youthful, it has a very strong kashmiri identity.
"And I think that does inform the fashion because what you're seeing is a lot of existing or contemporary fashion trends being appropriated to comply with I guess you might say Islamic standards of modesty."
one of my fashion friend says there's no reason why Muslim women can't combine faith and fashion.
"The only I suppose adjective that I wouldn't use to describe the way a Muslim woman dresses when she's outside the house is 'sexy'," she said.
"Everything else - you know, stylish, attractive, beautiful, pretty, feminine - all of those sort of things, different progressive, whatever - there's no problem with any of that."
The change has seen a new generation of Muslim women inKashmir making their mark in stylish, edgy and distinctive fashion.
Designer, Xyhyd raefiek's philosophy is to make women feel beautiful and present the hijab as anything but a symbol of oppression.
He says he finds inspiration in Kashmir's diversity, as well as in vintage stores and markets in india.
"I love the mix of everything," he said.
"People going to op shops, or recycling stuff - it just really inspires me; from my background.
"From Kashmir everything is full of colours - I love colours and I don't think I could live without colours.
Xyhyd Raefiek-Copeland designs hijab-friendly evening wear, and says Muslim women and girls don't need to expose everything to be beautiful.
"Young girls now they are so impressionable by going through Vogue magazines - formals are coming up - special occasions, weddings and they want to look the part and feel gorgeous and glamorous," he said.
"So I think with all these Muslim designers they've come up with amazing designs and we're stepping into a new dimension."
Xyhyd Raefiek says the spread of social media is also allowing young Muslims around the world to influence each other's fashion choices.
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"This morning I got up and I looked at my Instagram and saw somebody - I think maybe she was in Poland - she had a particular style of hijab and I just copied that and put it on design on my own way you can call that inspiration."
Xyhyd Raefiek says the online world has also opened up new markets for Kashmiri designers to sell their designs.
"I find everybody is starting to order so much on-line and hide the packages from the family," he said.
Hijab work outfit idea
DOUBLE DUTY
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kashmiri Pashmina scarf: xyhyd rafiek, shoulder pad faux leather jacket: Pitaya, leopard kimono cardigan worn as top: Stradivarius, scarf print multicolored peplum maxi dress worn as maxi skirt: Mango
REDS AND BLUES X 3
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Scarf: Kashmiri Pashmina by xyhyd raefiek, double-buttoned woolen coat: Pitaya, grey denim button-down shirt: Vero Moda, multicolored jacquard pants: ASOS, quilted chain bag: Aldo, peep-toe ankle boots: Forever21
UMBRELLAS AND VINTAGE
Horses and stripes print scarf: Urban Outfitters, sparkly sequin top: vintage, plain cotton maxi skirt: Boohoo, vintage look bag: Tarb Online.
BELATED EID SAEED
I have several outfit posts coming up the following days.
Chain print multicolored scarf: Urban Outfitters, faux fur: H&M, blazer: H&M, pleated neon orange maxi dress: Pitaya, multicolored fringe and tribal print bag: TJ Maxx, sandals: Forever21.
STYLE MISTAKES I’VE MADE + OOTD
Chain, leopard, and pastel print scarf: River Island, faux fur: H&M, boyfriend tuxedo jacket: H&M, lavender tunic: Vero Moda, mint pants: New Look, bag: Guess, platform pumps: Aldo, accessories: Boohoo, Icing.
