This project was developed as part of my University studies, specifically for our design practice module, "Publishing Platforms." As part of this module, we were tasked with creating a magazine that not only featured engaging content but also explored innovative ways of presenting articles in a visually appealing and cohesive manner. For this project, I chose to design Street_Wear, a magazine centred around the work of @saeedahhaque, a talented Muslim fashion designer renowned for her contemporary and stylish approach to modest fashion.
The magazine highlights her unique designs, focusing on modern modest wear that blends cultural heritage with contemporary trends. Street_Wear features stunning visuals drawn from her Instagram page, celebrating her fashion work with striking imagery. What sets this magazine apart is its emphasis on portraying Muslim women in a light that is often underrepresented in mainstream fashion media. It gives these women the spotlight, showcasing them as powerful, confident, and stylish individuals.
At its core, Street_Wear is not just a fashion magazine; it is a platform for self-expression. It aims to normalize and celebrate a style of dress that is frequently misunderstood or overlooked, encouraging acceptance and embracing diversity. The goal of the magazine is to create a space where the beauty of modest fashion is recognized and appreciated, while also challenging conventional beauty standards and promoting inclusivity in fashion.
Street_Wear Magazine, Issue 1: Unapologetically Modest
Street_Wear Magazine, pages 21 & 22 showing how images can break up a grid to show flow
The relationship between large typographic quotes and imagery plays a crucial role in breaking the traditional design grid, effectively reinforcing the concept of modest fashion as something that challenges and defies societal norms. By strategically using bold, oversized quotes alongside striking visuals, the design creates a visual disruption that mirrors the way modest wear breaks away from conventional fashion standards. The large quotes, often used to highlight powerful messages or to capture key themes, stand out from the rest of the content, drawing attention to the core message of the magazine. This not only adds a dynamic layer to the layout but also serves as a visual metaphor for how modest fashion, often overlooked or stereotyped in mainstream culture, stands out as a bold statement.
In conjunction with powerful imagery, the use of large typography emphasizes the strength and individuality of Muslim women who choose modest wear, celebrating their fashion choices in a way that challenges existing beauty ideals. By intentionally breaking the grid, the design reflects the breaking of traditional boundaries, both in terms of fashion and societal expectations. The overall effect is a visually cohesive magazine that communicates the message of embracing diversity, pushing against limiting norms, and celebrating self-expression through modest fashion in a bold and impactful way.
Street_Wear Magazine, pages 31 & 32 using vibrant colours and grungy images to create a balance
