The Tamesis
There are almost sacred rituals we perform when getting dressed—quiet, repetitive movements that reflect the structure and intent of religious practice. This is the prologue, the private ceremony before the public ceremony.
In Islam, the relationship between decoration and devotion is clear. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the 30-day fast of Ramadan, and Muslims, following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, are encouraged to dress in their best attire for the occasion. This is not just a matter of appearance, but embodying a state of purity, gratitude and dignity. Here, cleanliness and beauty are not superficial, but outward signs of the internal transformation that has occurred over the last month.
For my Eid outfit last year, I directly quoted the spiritual words of Islam. I wore a maroon robe with a pattern of pomegranates — a fruit revered in the Koran as a symbol of abundance and proximity to Jinnah — and a matching turban. (For a bit of contrast, I’m wearing Maison Margiela Tabi boots.) The fabrics, colors, and symbolism gave me a deeper understanding of the meaning of the day.
Four fashionable Muslims I interviewed this week felt the same way. For all of them, dressing up for Eid is not an act of vanity but a form of recognition, joy, acknowledgment and satisfaction. Here, the four share their fashion ideas and sartorial traditions surrounding Eid.
Noor Elkadi
Tezza Editor: CocoaPhoto: Courtesy of Noor Elkhaldi
I have a very large immediate family, so any time my whole family can get together for Eid is my favorite. The best thing to wear on Eid is Sunnah, so I just try to wear something that reflects that. I also make sure I’m fresh out of the shower and smell good.
This year, I wore a dark brown maxi dress from Khanum’s with a draped overlay detail that fell from the bust down to the arms, paired with a black pleated chiffon hijab from Vela Scarves, and a sage green Prada Cleo shoulder bag (which I “borrowed” from my sister). Plus, I’m wearing my favorite Coperni platform shoes, which probably won’t show at all, but I need the extra height, and they’re really comfortable in six-inch heels.
Robes have obviously always been around, but they’ve really grown in popularity over the past few years and I honestly love seeing it. However, my favorite look was in 2022 when I wore a Palestinian abaya that my sister bought me from Gaza, where my family is from. It feels really special to wear clothes from my home country.
