Malaysia★Focus on Islamic Women's Fashion: High-End Lines and Overseas Expansion

The Muslim women's apparel market is exploring diverse avenues, including high-end positioning and overseas expansion, according to NNA, an Asian economic news provider.

While the volume segment of Muslimah fashion consists of affordable items targeting middle- to low-income groups, Malay fashion designer and entrepreneur Mona Din has developed the original high-end brand "HAJABA" for the affluent. Establishing stores primarily in upscale shopping malls across the Klang Valley metropolitan area, HAJABA has gained popularity as a premium brand for Muslimah.

HAJABA previously operated 12 stores nationwide, including in Johor and Penang, but has since reduced its store count. As part of its strategy of selective focus, the company has recently prioritized joint ventures with young entrepreneurs. "Women of Janaa" (WOJ), a project she runs with three other Muslimah entrepreneurs, is a multi-brand retail store specializing in brands by young designers.

Mona is also known as the founder of the Kuala Lumpur Hijab Fair (KLIHF), a fashion exhibition for Muslim women launched last year. The exhibition held in late May this year featured 250 booths, including overseas companies from Indonesia and Singapore. It showcased and sold hijabs, clothing, accessories, and cosmetics, attracting over 100,000 visitors.

Next year, KLIHF plans to be held for the first time in a non-Muslim country, London. Looking ahead, the organizers are exploring overseas expansion, considering future events in Dubai, UAE—a fashion hub in the Middle East—and Singapore.