Earlier this year my friends recommended I check out the 50th Annual Convention of The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). I made it happen and in addition to attending various talks and panels, I took the opportunity to document the diversity of styles housed within the American-Muslim community.
For those 4 days, street style photography was my window to meeting strangers from all walks of life. I wandered until someone arrested my attention. Reacting quickly, I had to keep myself in check so as not to scare my subjects with my over-enthusiasm in finding them.
Below you will find a wide array of Muslim characters working together to reflect the rich diversity housed within the community. You can find more photos on my Instagram feed.
Modern, Turkish hijab with bright boot cut pants that give the style a retro feel.
In business casual, she just came from a meeting with an organization she’s volunteering with. Pretty sure she lied to me about her name.
I spotted this brother after one of the prayers. Such use of white lines could only be custom-made design.
Got the chance to meet this mother-son duo who founded Fetoun Hijat, a company making hijabs that don’t require any pins. The form emphasizes elegance and function.
A laid-back brother combining kefiye and jellabiya-type garment. Great mind for conversation.
Suspended, secure, snug. I’m glad the baby didn’t wake up when she offered to stand up for the photo.
It might be hard to see in the picture, but he has a meswach on one of his ears. Best accessories and overall look hands down.
A father and his two kids. His son decided to pass out right when everyone rose to pray.
A calm moment between sessions.
The dapper man in the center actually runs his own ties company called Jaan J; very upbeat and humble fellow.
Traditionally dressed sisters in vibrant garments.
There are at least 4 things going on here: dual-lens spectacles, a peace sign tattoo on the left side of his neck, a shirt promoting smoking marijuana, and blue shoes with wings.
A handful of vendors were selling fragrances and perfumes. This man decided to walk around with a shoulder belt to carry samples around the floor.
Young mother with a shy child; check out the ornamentation detail on her hijab.
What does a perfect Islamic beard look like? Now you have a reference.
I snapped this while she was in the middle of a conversation; superb contrast of denim against the eye-popping power of orange. The bubble-making toy in her hands adds a lot of character too.
Asian style shaolin robe, worn by one of the founders of K. Darwish.
“Muslims do it 5 Times a Day”… Indeed. You may also notice he has the word ‘stability’ written on the back of his collar.
Leather wallet with what seems to be ancient Assyrian symbolism.
