Macy’s is the First Major U.S. Department Store to Sell Fashionable and Modest Muslim Clothing
By Emiliya Strahilova/Arab America Contributing Writer
Muslims are a significant part of the American population. They have diverse ethnicities, and yet, are still united by cultural similarities such as their fashion sense. According to studies, by 2040 Islam could be the second largest religion in the U.S.
Apparently, the needs of Muslim ladies, concerning their style and choice of outfits hasn’t been addressed enough for a long time. Recently, certain world known brands launched collections that include hijabs. Although we are observing moves towards a broader direction, there is a lot to accomplish in this niche, that can prove to be prosperous.
On February 15, Macy’s, in collaboration with Verona Collection, will introduce a contemporary Islam-friendly clothing line. The compilation will include maxi dresses, versatile cardigans, and hand-dyed hijabs. Its price range ($12.95-$84.95) will be more affordable than some of the other Macy’s featured brands.
Verona Collection was inspired by founder Lisa Vogl’s struggle with finding modest and modern clothes for herself. She realized she was not alone and an enormous number of Muslim and non-Muslim women were experiencing the same inconveniences.
Lisa’s own words sum up the brand vision: “Verona Collection is more than a clothing brand. It’s a platform for a community of women to express their personal identity and embrace fashion that makes them feel confident on the inside and outside.”
Macy’s, on their side, is no stranger to the Arab and Arab American clientele. Being one of the largest department store chains in the U.S. with more than 670 locations in 45 states, it’s continuously growing and in 2014 opened stores at locations in the UAE and Kuwait. Those happened to be the first Macy’s physical stores outside the U.S. Certainly, Macy’s values the Muslim community and is planning to take advantage by accommodating its desires.
The news about the partnership between Macy’s and the independent Muslim brand was spread widely in the media, which Verona Collection proudly acknowledged via their social media profiles.
#WorldHijabDay Macy’s announced that it will sell the Verona Collection, comprising hijabs, tops, dresses, pants, and sweaters, beginning Feb. 15. https://t.co/XZ3nH2eGKs
— AskTheLawyers (@AskTheLawyers) February 8, 2018
While many Arab Americans were pleased to hear about the emerging tendency to market modest fashion, there were also discriminating and hostile comments. Opponents of Macy’s/Verona Collection agreement are judging Lisa Vogl for converting to Islam:
#Macys:Anothr failing retailer turns to #softjihad for profit. ‘Cause u just cant find modest clothes like long skirts&button shirts wthout starting a #Muslim line. Guess they don’t need this platinum customer’s $ anymore. #BoycottMacys https://t.co/blUENGo0mM via @HuffPostWomen
— Hillarisms (@JuliaGorin) February 2, 2018
So wrong. #burnthehijab #nohijabday #Macys https://t.co/qUnS5czszS
— Kelsey (@krae991) February 8, 2018
Lisa is a graduate of Macy’s minority-and women-owned business development program. She started her career as a fashion photographer and after establishing her own modest brand, she became one of the largest e-commerce Islamic fashion names in the US & UK. She has been honored in notable publications by Refinery 29, NPR, Fusion and the Huffington Post.
