July 9, 2013

First ones to wear lipstick were Mesopotamian women, who grinded out precious gems and used their dust to decorate their lips with glimmer and riches. Women from Indus Valley Civilization used lipstick regularly, but it was Egypt where manufacture of lipstick received many advancements. There, royal members, clergy and high class used several types of lipsticks, some of them with recipes that contained poisonous ingredients that could cause serious illnesses. Carmine color became popular which was extracted from cochineal insects, technique that is widely used even today (although governments in US and EU heavily regulate against that in our food and cosmetic products). As time passed on, Ancient Greece began to wear red lipstick, especially the prostitutes. Now, everyone has a lipstick or two in their bag!

Written by: The Unified Fashion Team

Edited by: Saba Tauqir

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March 31, 2013

Have you ever looked at a woman wearing an “Abaya” or a “Hijab” and say, “Wow, she’s crazy?” First, you’re probably wondering what an Abaya is. It is a long garment, usually black but also comes in other colors, and is worn for modesty, comfort, special occasions, etc. Or even a Hijab.  'Hijab' is an Arabic word for a veil or scarf that is worn on the head for religious purposes. Much misleading information  has become popular for both items and today we're going to clear them up. An abaya is usually worn by Muslim girls, but can also be worn by non­ Muslims, whereas only Muslim girls wear a Hijab.

Many say they are suppressed. But why? It isn’t the norm for Western Society to be wearing such pieces of clothing.  Because we go out in a robe like dress and a veil on our heads, we are seen as women without rights. Double standard appears when we consider that girls go out half naked to the beach and that is socially acceptable, but covering up with an abaya is not. Women usually wear an abaya to cover up and be modest. But many times it can be worn for special occasions like a family member's wedding, or even your own engagement. Or maybe you’re just having a lazy day and decide you don’t want to dress up, so you take out your nicest Swarovski abaya and head out for a girls’ night. It's thought that the abaya was first introduced in the eight century of the Abbasid Islamic period, and one merchant was left with only black cloaks that nobody wanted. So he visited his friend who happened to be a poet and asked for his advice. His friend composed a poem about a lady in a black abaya; a color he said was for the rich and royal. Ever since, ladies have scurried to the market for black cloaks so they could become luxurious and striking. An abaya has many purposes but oppression isn’t one of them. Many people believe that girls are required in Islam to wear a Hijab from the time they hit puberty. Although only Muslim girls wear the Hijab, it was here long before Islam started. It was first introduced with Arab acquaintances in Syria and Iran as a symbol of social status. Their social status was such that women who didn’t need to work in the fields could meet the expense of being veiled and sheltered indoors. It may sound a bit extreme, but once you know the reasons behind it, you may change your mind.

Written by: The Unified Fashion Team

Edited by: Saba Tauqir

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​www.fandiz.com