On Thursday, June 2, members of UC Irvine’s Muslim Scholar Union gathered at Delta Lodges by Marriott in Backyard Grove for the membership’s banquet.
Banquets are an event to decorate up, and for pupil and mannequin Rahan Alemi, they’re additionally a time to specific herself by way of vogue.
Irrespective of the event nevertheless, Alemi has one accent she wears with each outfit: hijab.
“One big facet of hijab is individuals assume that we’re oppressed if we put on hijab,” mentioned Alemi, “however it’s truly fairly the other. Hijab provides me liberty, hijab provides me freedom … freedom from societal requirements and wonder requirements.”
Hijab is a head protecting worn by some Islamic ladies, nevertheless it refers to greater than only a head scarf. Hijab is a life-style that has a dedication to residing modestly with love for God at its heart.
Alemi mentioned when she started modeling for Muslim-owned vogue manufacturers final 12 months, she started to embrace hijab.
“It was round 2021 that I began modeling for Muslim corporations and modest clothes corporations that additionally offered hijab and modest clothes and attire,” mentioned Alemi. “That’s what bought me into practising hijab exterior of residence and out of doors of the mosque.”
Alemi mentioned as she elevated her information of her faith and utilized it to her life, she fell in love with the which means behind the follow and felt empowered sporting the Islamic head-covering.
“It actually made me really feel joyful and comfy and proud to be sporting it,” Alemi mentioned.
In August 2021, Alemi dedicated to sporting hijab absolutely.
“I had been desirous to put on hijab for a pair years, however I by no means had the braveness or energy to truly observe by way of with it, with the best way society is. I used to be actually afraid of how I is perhaps handled or the alternatives I’ll lose due to judgment and stereotypes,” mentioned Alemi.
Rahan Alemi started sporting a hijab full time in August 2021.
(Spencer Grant)
Alemi is the primary lady in her Afghan household to make such a dedication.
“I’m the primary lady in my household on each my mother and pop’s facet to be sporting hijab. At first it was a troublesome idea as a result of inside our tradition many individuals don’t put on hijab” mentioned Alemi. “It’s a stereotype that it’s an Arab tradition factor, however in actuality it’s an Islamic factor.”
Alemi, who has been energetic on social media since 2019, additionally eliminated all pictures and movies that confirmed her hair. Her household grew to become impressed along with her dedication.
“Ultimately, my household noticed my love and fervour for it, and now I’m so joyful to have my dad and mom and my siblings be so pleased with me for taking that step not just for our household however for our group,” Alemi mentioned.
Alemi continues to be energetic on social media, posting herself in high-fashion outfits or modest swimwear, however all the time with hijab. This 12 months throughout the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Alemi teamed up with Human Concern Worldwide to lift cash for orphans and kids in want in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria and extra.
“Human Concern Worldwide is a nonprofit group that reached out to huge influencers who could make an influence and lift cash with the intention to assist,” mentioned Alemi.
Alemi’s marketing campaign raised $1,245.
Rahan Alemi poses for a selfie as her sister Ombahran watches.
(Spencer Grant)
She mentioned her platform has additionally allowed her to make connections with different Muslim ladies in the neighborhood.
“Being a job mannequin for different lady on-line, I’ve had many individuals attain out to me saying how a lot I helped them of their journey, by seeing my journey. I’ve been on social media for years now, and for my IG followers and my new followers, to see a younger lady in Southern California surrounded my non-Muslims with the ability to do this for myself may be very inspiring for them.”
Her illustration of hijabi lady isn’t simply on-line however at vogue occasions in actual life.
“At OC Vogue Week, I used to be invited as a mannequin and influencer and was the one hijabi lady there,” mentioned Alemi. “It was a shock to many individuals as effectively as a result of they weren’t anticipating to see that, or they weren’t anticipating to see [a] Muslim lady within the vogue trade.”
Rahan Alemi poses for a selfie as seen on her cellphone display screen.
(Spencer Grant)
Alemi mentioned attending occasions like OC Vogue Week give her an opportunity to reveal that girls who put on hijab aren’t essentially oppressed.
“They’ll see that I’m not what individuals could stereotype Muslim lady to be,” mentioned Alemi. “Lots of my buddies and my friends have informed me they’re so joyful to have a consultant like me to indicate that Muslim lady aren’t oppressed and they’re allowed to be inventive and be creative and specific what they like to do.”
Alemi graduated from Irvine Valley Faculty this 12 months and shall be attending UCI within the fall, the place she plans to be energetic within the Muslim Scholar Union and pursue a level in regulation, all whereas sporting hijab.
“My hijab is my crown,” mentioned Alemi. “I’m actually pleased with it.”
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