Hijab Storm: The Move by the Popular Fashion Brand
Japanese fashion giant Uniqlo is expected to launch its first permanent and independent hijab collection, unlike previous one-off collaborations. The company published a promo image featuring two styles and the date August 17, but has not yet confirmed details on models, prices, or sales countries. The move has sparked mixed reactions: many Muslim women welcomed it, while others call for a boycott of the brand, citing discrimination.
Japanese fashion giant Uniqlo is expected to launch its own hijab collection for the first time. Unlike previous steps by the chain, this time it is not a one-off collaboration but a permanent and independent product category within the brand. The company published a promo image showing two different hijab styles alongside the date August 17, leading many customers to assume this is the launch date. However, Uniqlo has not yet confirmed how many models, colors, and fabrics will be included in the launch, nor have they revealed the prices of the items or in which countries the collection will be available. In the past, Uniqlo has already launched modest clothing sold in several countries, including the UK and the US. In doing so, it joins a broader industry trend, as in recent years Nike has also launched a hijab designed for sports activities, and high-fashion houses like Dolce & Gabbana have designed modest collections aimed at Muslim women. The move has sparked mixed reactions. Alongside many Muslim women who welcomed the decision, there were opposing reactions and calls for a boycott on social media. "I will never buy from your stores again," wrote one user. "Terrible, how empires fall," wrote another. "At this rate, Japan will be the next Europe. Welcome to the Islamic Republic of Japan." Others claimed inequality in the move: "If you want to make everyone feel welcome, why not also produce headscarves? Why only hijabs? This is absolute discrimination."