Hijab Style Exclusive: Sophia Jennah Interview

An exciting new website launched this weekend; Sophia Jennah is a stylish, affordable modest clothing brand, and today Hijab Style brings you an exclusive interview with the founder, Faisa Ismael.

Jana: Tell us about the people behind Sophia Jennah; how was the company started?

Faisa: The journey of the company started eight months ago, when I realised there was a huge gap in the market for contemporary Muslim women's clothing. I was frustrated with the lack of clothes available for us, as a large part of the Muslim fashion industry catered for high-end, niche couture markets.

I did not have a background in fashion or design, but I knew the sort of clothes women around me liked and what I would like to see out there myself. So I put pencil to paper and started sketching away and the rest is history as they say.

Jana: What do you feel is missing from the fashion industry right now?

Faisa: A clothing line that caters for both Muslims and non Muslims at the same time. A fashion label that is affordable and provides women with a variety of designs, from casual to abayas. So that the Muslim girl that wants to be fashionable yet modest, is not deprived of it.

Jana: What things/people/places inspire your style?

Faisa: Hmm, what people inspire me? I would have to say everyday women; my sisters, my friends, or even random strangers. Although when I was designing my clothing I based it on the things that I would like to wear, I guess I got a bit carried away with all things I would have liked to see in my own wardrobe!

One of my biggest inspirations is the great work that is going on currently in the Malaysian and Indonesian Muslim fashion industry. They are both beautiful countries and also have the most fashionable Muslim girls who are not afraid to push the envelope with new mixtures of styles and ask more of their fashion designers. Their style is very inspiring.

I’m a big traveller and love different cultures, fabrics, colours and architecture and in the future I would like to project these cultures into my designs.

Jana: What are your favourite pieces from the new collection?

Faisa: Every piece is my favourite, however, gun to my head I’d have to say the Hooded Cape, the Colour block dress and the Black and white ruffle abaya.

Jana: Finally, what can we expect from Sophia Jennah in the future?

Faisa: I have big plans for Sophia Jennah inshallah. I am currently working on our Spring/Summer collection which I hope to increase by 2 or 3 times more designs and products than our debut Autumn/Winter Collection. I want Sophia Jennah to be more than just a clothing line, I want it to be more like a lifestyle brand that a Muslim girl’s wardrobe can always rely on.

You can find me on my personal blog on Cookiesandcouture.com

Exclusive Discounts!

To mark their launch, Sophia Jennah have some great offers on. The first 500 customers to make a purchase and become a fan of the Facebook page will be sent a VIP membership card that entitles you to a lifetime 15% discount and entry to monthly giveaways. There is currently a 15% off sale for all customers until January 2nd 2012. What's more Hijab Style readers get an extra 10% off when you enter the code Hijab Style at the checkout!