IIF TO PLAY CONTINUED ROLE IN PROMOTING ISLAMIC FASHION

LONDON, July 16 (Bernama) -- Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysian
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, has expressed hope that the Islamic
Fashion Festival (IIF) will continue to provide a platform for designers to
present their creations and encourage more designers to delve into creating
apparels of modesty.

She said this would translate into a growing pool of Islamic fashion
designers whose role was critical for the industry to thrive.

"Over time, Islamic fashion too can be a permanent feature during fashion
weeks in the fashion capitals of the world," she said at the "IIF Eastern
Treasures" luncheon showcase here Friday.

Rosmah, who is patron of IIF, said Islamic fashion had indeed become a
lucrative commercial field of enterprise.

While there's no official trade data for the global Muslim fashion industry,
estimates had shown positive indications, she said.

Rosmah said for the Islamic fashion industry to thrive, growth and
development must be across the board, from high-fashion to ready-to-wear being
made easily available.

She said she was encouraged to hear that high-end stores like Harrods in
London and Saks in Saudi Arabia have begun selling Islamic apparel in recent
times.

"It's definitely a good start, but it's my wish to see more of such stores
like Bloomingdale’s, Macy's Debenhams and other retail chains offering Islamic
apparel and accessories as part of mainstream fashion in the world.

"Only then can we justify that Islamic fashion has arrived in the truest
sense," she said.