Before I made my way backstage at the Anniesa Hasibuan NYFW collection, I had a quick conversation with one of the security guards out front. He explained that he was excited for this show, because his own daughter was one of the models that would be walking the runway for Anniesa Hasibuan. NYFW has been home to many history-making collections, and this guard explained to me that this show would be one of them. He said there was no extravagant hairstyling, since all models would be wearing headpieces.
Coming from my background, when I heard headpieces my brain immediately jumped to avant-garde. To my surprise, however, each model’s outfit was accented with a traditional Muslim hijab! Elegance and beauty that graced the runway. Each outfit seemed to float past with an explosion of color and ornate detail. The collection consisted of pastel greens, pinks, yellows, oranges, all accented with jewels and, of course, the hijab. The beauty and flawless movement of the fabrics was almost haunting and it was definitely mesmerizing.
It was clear that history had been made this season at New York Fashion Week. Not only was Anniesa Hasibuan the first designer to outfit all of her models in hijab at an official NYFW show, she’s also the first Indonesian designer to present her designs at an official New York Fashion Week venue.
It was an honor to be able to witness and capture history being made at the Anniesa Hasibuan NYFW show. Having the opportunity to photograph such a beautifully crafted collection and is an experience I will never forget. Upon wrapping up the final walk, Anniesa took to the runway herself. She received a standing ovation from the entire venue, and applause that was unlike anything else we heard at fashion week.
Photographer: Patrick Hovan www.patrickhovanphoto.com
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