Those were the words of Mariah Idrissi, a Pakistani and Moroccan origin model who lives in London, United Kingdom.
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The model who started wearing hijab at age 17 said, “It always feels like women who wear hijab are ignored when it comes to fashion… so it’s unbelievable that a brand that is big has H&M recognised the way we wear hijab”. At first, Idrissi was skeptical, asking the scout, “Are you sure they know I wear a hijab?”
The London native told fashion blog “Fusion” that since the commercial aired, she has been hailed as an inspiration to women by various Muslim women’s groups.
Idrissi appears in the video while the narrator says “look chic”-which is just what she is in an oversized pink coat, wide-leg trousers and John Lennon-style sunglasses, a perfect-for-fall ensemble paired with her printed hijab”.
Speaking of the shoot, which both her parents consented to, she described how H&M were respectful to her religion, limiting male interaction as well as providing her with a private dressing area.
“One of the watches was dangling in the wrong way, and rather than just twisting it on my wrist, the cameraman asked a woman to come over”.
Beauty is Idrissi’s passion; Fusion notes she opened a salon called Salon Marrakesh, which even features Halal nail polish.
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Giving diversity a whole new meaning. H&M’s message? “There are no rules in fashion but one: Recycle your clothes”. “Wear a short skirt after 40”. “Try too hard. Don’t try at all”.
