How Elisa Transforms German Fashion Norms

MFD

Aug 7

by Jonquil Dun

In a world that often pressures us to conform to society's beauty and fashion standards, Elisa stands tall as a symbol of style, elegance, and courgage breaking stereotypes and shattering misconceptions about hijabis in the fashion world. Meet Elisa Linc, a modest fashion influencer and model, from Berlin, Germany.

"Do you and let others do them," says Elisa Linc, a 28-year-old German girl who faced challenges while wearing hjab when she converted to Islam back in 2014, but transformed societal norms through her fashion.

Currently, Elisa, has captured the attention of modest fashion fans online with her authentic and confident approach to fashion. Her social media presencehave a sizable following, and she brings her stunning style to modest fashion events and prominents galas, including Cannes Film Festival. She believes that wearing a hijab does not have to restrict one's fashion options, but rather opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Please tell us what you like about modest fashion?
I like that you can feel comfortable, since the important parts are loose and covered but
still look fashionable and modern. If you're passionate you can get creative and play
around with different styles.

Many are curious if you are you a born-Muslim or a convert since you grace the hijab beautifully as if effortlessly?
I became a muslim around 8 years ago, in 2014 and started wearing hijab in 2016,
alhamdulilah.

Germany is well-known for its support for religious freedom and tolerance. The German constitution ensures religious freedom and the rights of religious minorities, including the Muslims. In Germany, Muslims enjoy the freedom to freely practice their faith, build mosques, and follow religious practices.

However, like in many other countries, they also face challenges and issues such as integration, social acceptance, and stereotypes may be among them. Negative perceptions do exist as fueled by some acts committed in the name of the religion.

Overall, the 5.3 million Muslims which comprises to about 6.4% of the German population have been favourable. Muslims have contributed in various ways to the development and prosperity of German society in terms of economics, cultural enrichment, education and research, sports and entertainment, social services and others.

How are Muslim women perceived in your community/country?
In general muslim women are being tolerated and accepted but to follow a religion
counts more as a weakness than a strength in my country. If you're wearing hijab,
people reduce you on that most of the times and think that you are oppressed. Its
happening that you won't get a job because of the hijab or that costumer don't want to
get served by you. However, the trend goes more towards acceptance and people are
more open minded than years ago.

What are the challenges do you face when you started wearing hijab, modest fashion?
In the beginning I struggled to feel confident, because back then the availability of
modest fashion were moreover clothes with traditional styles. Since my background
is different I couldn't identify myself that way, so I tried to wear „western brand" clothes,
but in a modest way.

What are your fashion staples? And what is your signature style?
My fashion staples are wide-leg pants , under shirts and jackets or blazer for on top and
a huge must is hijabs in jersey material. . My signature style I would describe as
effortless and basic combined with a classic look due jewelry. Depending on my mood I
either style myself in street style, or in a classic, elegant look.

What gives you motivation to become an influencer of modest fashion?
My biggest motivation is that I am able to inspire other woman to feel fashionable and
modern, but still be modest. Despite that the modest fashion industry isn't very
established in Europe, yet; I'm sure that its a great opportunity to help muslim sisters
living in Europe to not feel as an outsider in the society, but also to create a new mindset
for non muslim woman, that you still can be beautiful and trendy without having to
show off skin.

Do you think modest fashion is being represented properly in social media?
Soso. In general I am happy to see modest fashion in social media more than I saw
before. It´s very inspiring to see, how girls from different cultures / countries style their
clothes and try to make the trends modest. However, I would wish, that modest
fashion will be accessible for many more people and that also the big brands will start to
promote modest fashion outfits.