Social Media Sheds a Light on the Hijab Experience

      For one young woman, covering her hair symbolized the unveiling of a new person. Aug. 17 2010 was like any other summer night for Aishah Nofal, however there was one thing that was different. She hadn’t decided what she was going to wear to work the next day, but she knew it would be the day she started wearing a hijab. “I've never felt so excited and anxious as I did that night. And I've never looked back.”

Fourth year Ryerson Student Aishah Nofal made the decision to start wearing the hijab last August.

    A hijab is a head scarf traditionally worn by Muslim women. It is not uncommon to see women wearing a hijab in Canada, however there are often misconceptions that they don’t wish to, or that they are forced to. It is a very personal decision and represents a change in lifestyle that is often celebrated by the women wearing it.

    For Nofal, the decision to wear the hijab provoked other changes in her life. She began to dress more modestly, she quit smoking and has become more dedicated to her faith. Throughout the process there have been some challenges, but for the most part the out-pour of support from friends and family has been continuous, and has made the journey graceful.

    Lina Rahman, one of the directors of Muslimfest and the director of People Management has witnessed many young women who decide to wear the hijab in the early years of adulthood. “I think more and more we are starting to see Muslim women starting to wear hijab when they are older because this is when they are beginning to understand the meaning behind this act,” she says.  “With a strong understanding of why one is wearing hijab, it means more in a woman’s life.”

    Naturally many people had questions for Nofal. Why the hijab? Why now? Nofal expressed the following on her blog: “Outwardly it may seem like these transformations happened overnight, when in reality I feel like it was much more gradual. It's hard for people to understand this because from the outside looking in,” says Nofal. “I went from tube tops and shorts to being covered from head to toe (literally) in a matter of weeks.”

Nofal finds the Ryerson community to be very supportive of her faith.

   Although the day she stepped out of her house wearing the hijab was a pivotal moment, Nofal describes the simple act of changing her Facebook profile photo to be even more liberating. “I was really revealing myself to most of the people I know,” she says. This shows how big of a role social media plays today. So many people had questions, and there was just so much to say about the experience. A friend suggested to Nofal that she start a blog. It would be an interesting thing to look back on, and this way she could share her story with the world. “Making all of these reflections public makes me feel like I'm less alone, and I know other people are going through the same things.” Nofal’s blog “Journey of a Muslimah” shares personal stories, interesting internet finds, quotes and more. One of her first blogs titled “Please Allow me to Re-Introduce Myself” begins by saying “Today I started wearing the hijab. Today was also one of the most emotional days of my life.” Nofal brings the reader for a walk in her shoes through the excitement and challenges of her decision.

    With social media being so prominent in society today, we are able to share personal experiences with mass numbers of people. Although the process of deciding to wear a hijab is personal and sacred, Rahman believes blogging about it is a beneficial tool to help minimize ignorance. “ I think that social media has an important role in this process, especially when it comes to women wearing hijab,” she says. “It helps make the wider community understand that women in hijab choose to wear hijab, are not oppressed, and are the sister, daughters, mothers and friends they know.”

Nofal uses Facebook, Twitter and Blogger to share her experiences with the world.

Nofal has left some of her old habits behind her. Although her lifestyle is different now, she has no regrets. Her past experiences including her mistakes have led her to grow into the person that she is. “I've never felt more comfortable and more confident in my own skin. It's amazing.”
    Nofal’s use of social media has put a face to a religious tradition that may not always be understood by Western society. The internet is her medium of storytelling, and her stories put a face to an important aspect of a Muslim woman’s life.






“So keep your hopes high,  your expectations low, and your minds open.

Sincerely,


A Muslimah”

Fashion Blogs Rob the Magazine Industry

 

Photo from the Satorialist

      A few short years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to spot a fashionista with their staple accessory- an issue of their favourite magazine, in hand. The glossy pages filled with rich colours and seasonal designs were the source of fashion news and inspiration. Fashion journalism has since shifted. Magazine sales have decreased, and fashion blogs have increased. People are looking on independent fashion blogs and websites such as the Satorialist to get their daily dose of fashion. Those in the fashion magazine industry are beginning to wonder whether magazines will be around in the next decade or if the online phenomenon will take over for good.

    Back in September The Observer wrote that 13-year-old blogger Tavi Gevinson was the ‘star of New York Fashion Week.’ This young fashionista is the perfect example of how a regular person with a unique view of fashion can use the internet as a tool for fashion stardom. The article stated that “Her swift rise to fashion fame highlights the role the internet has played in breaking down traditional barriers to entry, with bloggers being cited as influences by high-profile designers including Marc Jacobs.” Her eccentric wardrobe and intriguing observations caught the eye of many, all thanks to launching a free website.

    Fashion depends heavily on the use of imagery. The photographs presented in magazines are clean and professional, but as of late people seem to be more interested in ‘real’ images. Photos of young women and men who have similar budgets and a big imagination are appealing because they are relatable. Lookbook.nu is a perfect example of this phenomenon. Fashion bloggers sign up, post their ensembles daily and await comments. Yuri Lee was the creator of the site which now has 50,000 members and gets over a million unique views per month.

    Shreya Patel worked in the Toronto fashion industry then decided last year that she wanted a more culturally rich experience. She moved back to where she was born, Mumbai, India, and worked for Vogue. She believes that the established magazines are here to stay, in one form or another. “Magazines like Vogue are a classic, I think in 10 years people still will be reading and buying magazines like Vogue,” says Patel. “If online journalism does take over, maybe Vogue will open an online subscription but people will still have to pay for it.” Patel stated that she was surprised that even internationally, online fashion trends are spreading everywhere. “There were fashion bloggers sitting in the front row at fashion week in Dubai. They are pretty much at the same level as magazine editors now, it’s crazy!”

    Another shift that has occurred is the trend in images. Photographs that have a vintage look have made a comeback. Magazines are trying to make their shoots look less professional and more natural- but independent blogs accomplish this with ease. Amateur photographers display their style all over the internet- capturing the realism and imperfect images that fashion consumers crave today.

    The shift has been noted by fashion designers as well. Jessica Biffi is a Canadian designer who stumbled into fame after her appearance on Project Runway. Biffi has certainly recognized the change even since her days as a student a few short years ago. “With the web and the ease of access to fashion these days everything is viral. The new crop of bloggers is changing the way that people intake their fashion news,” she says. However Biffi isn’t willing to give up on print. “I read magazines on lazy Sundays, I love the images. For me a magazine is a great tool to create inspiration boards. I love editorial spreads.” Surprisingly, Biffi admits that she doesn’t pay much attention to fashion blogs. Perhaps the importance and love for magazines from fashion professionals will keep them in demand.

    Real people reporting from their homes on blogs isn’t just occurring in the fashion world- it’s happening everywhere. The past few years citizen journalism has greatly increased in popularity. Derick Chetty is a fashion reporter for the Toronto Star and recently published an article about the death of magazines. He pointed out that blogs face the problem of little means of income. “Blogs, for all their web hits and burgeoning influence, are as barren as Siberia when it comes to commanding advertising dollars,” he says. Unless online sources can find a new way to make a profit off of their views, that struggle will continue.

    Otiena Ellwand interned at an online magazine called Cheek Magazine. She says that connecting with other journalists is easier when things are published online, and that’s what she likes about it. “I like how people have such unique and niche interests and how blogs foster a sense of community. You start following someone's blog, you add them on Twitter, you may correspond, and you have a bit of a new friend.” Although Ellwand endorses the online world, she doesn’t believe that magazines and online journalism is comparable. “I would skim a blog, I would read a magazine through.”

    Although fashion is known for recycled trends, the online phenomenon seems to be here to stay. No one can say exactly where the fashion journalism world is headed. However it’s hard to imagine a world without magazines, and the ability to physically hold fashion imagery in our hands. Perhaps the magazine is like the little black dress- a classic concept that will transcend through history.

Theodora Richards

Fashion Week 09

Fashion Week 09

33 Years of Media Art, and Counting

This is an article I wrote about my favourite non-profit arts centre.

    It has been said that art is everywhere. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t just some small, concentrated artistic spaces sprinkled throughout moderately sized cities. Spaces where there is art etched in the walls, flowing through the air and circulating in the minds of only a few people dedicated people. People enjoy the product of these spaces, but they may not necessarily know where it comes from, or how it comes to be.

    Many people in the city of Guelph have heard the name ‘Ed Video,’ or maybe they have seen posters with the familiar logo around the bulletin boards downtown. Although it may ring a bell, they don’t quite know what Ed Video is, or what Ed Video does.

    Locals who are familiar with the downtown area may avoid the location. Below is a youth centre often crowded with gaggles of ‘intimidating’ teenagers. However, upstairs  a haven for local artists is producing creativity and contributing to the unique reputation that is downtown Guelph. As you walk into their fairly new location on 40 Baker Street you are greeted by a gallery space before you enter the office. Currently, intriguing projections that are part of the project ‘Put the Moves On’ light the white walls of the 1150 square foot room.  The artist who created the installation attached a small camera to her her bicycle to get her footage all in one take. The video shows a dying cultured community in Shanghai. As the image continues to pan you see a variety of human activities, artists and people working.

    With a motto like “Ed Video is artists supporting artists” one can imagine that many different types of people walk into the doors of these offices everyday. Ed Video is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing support to independent media artists through rentals, workshops, shows and anything else they may need. It was first established in 1976 and continues to help individuals not just in Guelph but in various parts of Canada to express themselves and opinions through media art. Ed Video offers their rentals and workshops at very reasonable prices allowing just about anyone, including students to take full advantage of all the centre has to offer.

    Lalonde graduated University of Guelph in 2005 with a degree in Women’s Studies and a strong interest in filmmaking. Through the support offered at Ed Video she realized her dream of becoming a filmmaker. Lalonde made a 45 minute documentary on belly dancing, three short comedies and has many more projects up her sleeve. “Ed Video is a caring and welcoming environment. It doesn't matter if you've had 20 years of experience in media arts or have never picked up a camera before,” Lalonde says “They strive to be accessible and meet the needs of everyone who walks through the doors.”

    The welcoming environment that has been established at the centre is obvious upon entering the building. Smiling faces, and eccentric personalities bring a certain energy to the place that isn’t found at many other work environments. Every staff member has to work long hard hours but they do it because they love it- another prominent aspect of this environment that remains difficult to come across in society. They want to provide help to these artists because they genuinely enjoy it.

    Scott McGovern is the Program Director at Ed Video and has been at the centre for a little over four years. Although he has only been there a fraction of the lifespan of Ed Video, he has still seen many changes and growths. “I feel very strongly that interest in video and contemporary art will only continue to increase in the future,” McGovern says. “The centre is always in flux, continually working on dozens of projects with hundreds of people. Video technology and content changes rapidly, but the main focus of the centre, education, stays the same.” Not too many people can say that they love their job and working overtime. However the nature of the centre has always been about the love of art and there hasn’t been one staff member that hasn’t expressed their enjoyment in being a part of Ed Video. “I am lucky to have a job where creativity is not just tolerated, but required. Boredom never happens, although it is one of my aspirations,” jokes McGovern. “I really love it.”

    Previously Ed Video occupied the space above NV lounge on Wyndham Street. However, finances and the conditions of the building among other problems moved them centre to their current location. Traces of history remain present in the fairly new location. A photo of the founders in 1976 was carried over from the old location to the current one and represents the beginning of an artistic era. Little did these few people know that 33 years later the centre they founded would still be making an impact in their city. Still images from films created in the 1990’s hang in mint condition upon walking into the office. Thousands of hours of moving history is stored in the archive room proving years of development, hard work and artistic dreams realized.

    This place is constantly buzzing. A regular day at the centre assists dozens of people and yet everyday is so different. Three men sit in the editing suite cracking jokes while uploading their footage. A woman seeks help from one of the staff as she decides which camera to book for her shoot. Executive director Elizabeth Dent types quickly at her computer while answering phones. One of her main duties is to write grants to the government to keep the funding coming and the centre running smoothly. Although she explains that it is an amazing feeling seeing how happy an artist is at the end of a show, the funding can certainly be frustrating. “We could do so much more outreach and accessibility stuff if we only had enough money to make ends meet and could focus better on the task at hand,” Dent explains. “Instead I am stuck groveling for half the year to try and raise enough funds to get the job done.”

    Challenges and financial shortages aren’t obstacles that Ed Video hasn’t seen before. Pay has been compromised, shows have been cancelled and budgets have been cut. However they’ve always pulled through and as long as there is an audience, the show will go on. McGovern has big visions for the future, and it is obvious that in this case, the passion trumps the technical glitches in this centre. “Sometimes I say it takes tiny steps to get to the top of a mountain, and there have been many of those. A lot has happened, dozens of staff members, hundreds of shows, thousands of members, and many more in audience watching it all happen. Ed Video has had 33 years of history so far, and I believe many more to come.”

Indie is the New Mainstream

 

    A young man walks down the street wearing a distressed tee and tight jeans. He is carrying his old disc-man, listening to his acquaintance’s basement band while strolling out of an art class- all while maintaining a confident stride. He makes a stop in front of a second hand shop, takes a swig of his coffee and eagerly enters. This boy is no longer thought of as odd or weird, but the epitome of what every current trend-follower aims to subconsciously accomplish: the persona of a hipster.

    Take a stroll down Queen W in Toronto and you will inevitably see clusters of people from teens to those in their twenties who would have been considered eccentric- had they made that very same appearance just a few short years ago.

    Walk into a second hand shop or a Value Village and take note of the multiple young crowds scavenging to find articles of clothing and accessories derived from the 80’s that one would never imagine to be trendy; and watch them turn it into an ensemble.
    Turn on your radio, your television; flip through the glossy pages of recent magazines, look up at the billboards.

    It’s beginning to be incorporated into every medium of communication and every aspect of society. The concept of fashion, music, film and art being ‘indie’ or alternative has diminished and formed the walls that make up mainstream. A once ‘sub culture’ has taken over Western civilization and consumed popular culture.

    One must wonder- is this new indie trend here to stay, or is it simply a passing fad? Has the word ‘indie’ lost it’s validity over the years?

    Ricky Bionix is a former independent music store owner and currently an electronic specializing DJ. He has been immersed in this culture for years, and agrees that society has changed the meaning of what ‘independent’ truly stands for. “I find that since the late nineties electronic music (drum & bass, house, techno, electro) has really taken over as background music; in commercials, newscasts, sportscasts, video games, you name it,” Bionix says. “I think the word ‘independent’ is going to be thrown around like a wiener in a food fight and basically lose it's meaning just as ‘alternative’ did.” Nowadays, many people claim they listen to indie music and this phenomenon has never been so popular. Suddenly it’s cool to listen to a band that no one has heard of. “If it's independent that means that some kids are making it in their basement and selling it at their local record shop or on the internet or to their friends,” Bionix confirms. “Indie music will eat itself. It is going mainstream as we speak and hence the word will lose its meaning.”

    The same trend has been recognizable in films, not only through the music featured in the film but also the way it has been directed as well as the quirky characters. Films such as Juno, Garden State and 500 Days of Summer were a little different than most films. Again, many unknown bands were featured and the way it was filmed was notably different. That is what contributed to their popularity. Scott McGovern is an independent film maker and the programming director at Ed Video Media Arts Centre in Guelph, ON. He has certainly noticed changes in the industry and believes it is due to the audience demanding something different, and being more open. “I think that the realm of possibilities is just beginning to expand rapidly as far as what is acceptable to the audience.” McGovern says, “Now, mainstream media is trying a lot of directions, taking cues from internet culture, and perhaps taking more risks.” Perhaps society is simply tired of seeing the same images and concepts being repeated in the media and they need that more creative, more shock-provoking aspect thrown in to grab their attention. “People are addicted to video, and they always want new charges, kicks, or thrills from the medium.”

    So maybe if society thirsts to speak about and listen to music that isn’t popular, and looks for new visual images and sounds on screen that haven’t been executed before, then the same thing applies to the current fashion trends. Claudia Leigh Grammatico, an intern at Nylon Magazine in New York watches new trends unfold everyday at her workplace. Since the magazine was first published a few years ago, Nylon’s aim was to stand out from other fashion magazines. It features more up-and-coming models and celebrities and the graphic design and photography displayed throughout is eye-catching and certainly unique to other publications. Now, the magazine is bursting in popularity. Grammatico believes that everything now is more ‘real’ and less commercialized- which is apparent throughout the magazine. “It seems to me that people are more into realness, what's really happening in culture today, what the real kids are into and look like. I feel that the whole obsession with models and actors is dying down,” Grammatico states in reference to photography in magazines. In terms of fashion, she believes that people are demanding something different, new and exciting. “People are over the already established. People want to see uniqueness and versatility, fresh faces, the intriguing everyday people you see on the street. That's what it all about.” Fashion has and always will be recycled, taking old ideas and modernizing them for today. Grammatico compares pop culture now to what it was in the 60’s. Nylon recently ran an article called ‘Rebirth of 60s Bohemia and Individualism,’ which addressed aspects of society back then that are similar to today’s trends. “When you think about it, today is very much like the 60's: Art is back, politics are really trendy and making a full liberal 180, good music with talented bands are back in, people are bonding together more than ever,” Grammatico says, incorporating her opinion into the article. “And in terms of fashion, people are into the wild and eclectic once again.” Nylon magazine certainly achieves this and has in the past. It is essentially a magazine that epitomizes society’s demand for eye-catching and unique concepts in fashion and design.

    Stores such as American Apparel and Urban Outfitters carry all of the necessities to achieve the ‘hipster’ or ‘vintage’ look. Despite the economic crises, employees have noticed a burst in sales as of late. “The appeal of the clothing at Urban Outfitters is that it gives consumers a sense that they are being unique by wearing it,” says Ania Medrek, current employee. When asked which items were in demand right now Medrek replied “Fake glasses with thick frames for the 'nerdy hipster' look, braided hippie bands to put around ones forehead, super skinny jeans on men and moccasins are examples of really trendy items that were once thought of as ‘weird.’”

    Although this recent change in fashion and the media appears to be consuming popular culture, it seems as though it will be yet another passing fad. It is just another cycle in the recycled world of ideas only this time with an accentuated desire to be unique.

    Indie stands for independent. Independent stands for the freedom from external control and constraints. Hipster stands for one who chooses to reject established culture. Yet all of these terms are being thrown around and sought after so often that the ‘unique’ and ‘independent’ aspect of them have lost all validity. As it has many a times in the past, a sub culture has taken over the mainstream and currently that happens to be the sub culture of independence. So as ironic as it is, we are all walking around following a trend that stands for something different- or lack there of. It will be interesting to see what society’s demands for new and exciting produce in years to come.



  

Steve Carty Profile

http://www.stevecarty.com

Steven Carty, an accomplished photographer based out of Toronto has never worked a day in his life. He does not take the ferry from his Toronto Island home every morning then bike to his job, but to his passion. When Carty is in the studio longer hours than a regular work day, he is not working overtime, he is extending his creative output. And when a scheduled photo shoot runs longer than expected, he is not behind in his schedule, but prolonging the rush evoked in each session.

This is because Steven Carty is one of the select few in this world who does what he loves, and loves what he does. When you walk into the studio, the incredible energy and passion flowing throughout the room and coming out of every individual present is almost overwhelming. Carty has been creating this atmosphere around himself for years.

It all began at the age of 14 when his father bought a professional 35mm camera. “He didn’t even know how to turn it on,” Carty recalls “I showed him how to use it, never having used a camera in my life.” Soon after, Carty told his parents that he would be a photographer. At 14, he knew he wanted to be his own boss. This defining moment merely marked the beginning of Carty’s drive that is his positive and rewarding attitude today.
    Carty went through high school practicing photography and decided he wanted to shoot fashion. He recalls the feeling of having the camera in his hands during those days of his life “People are paying attention to me because I have this camera.” Carty took that feeling, and ran with it. Soon he was grabbing the attention of many more.
   
    “I was never told I couldn’t do this,” Carty says, recalling that he has always had a positive drive and never doubted himself and his career. “I don’t say anything negative, anything that is going to stop my own karma from moving forward.” This mentality has certainly payed off for Carty, who is currently living his ideal life- although not a regular one. He describes his life as being very controlled in terms of his craft, but very uncontrolled in how he lives. Everyday is different for Carty, never knowing how much money or work will lie within the next month. But it also fills his life with excitement.

    Carty attended Ryerson University for photography and although he only completed one year, that year was the base of the kickoff that soon started his successful career. “Without passing through Ryerson at quick velocity, I’d still be moving but it would have taken a lot longer for me to have that technical savvy,” Carty says as he commends the innovative university and the program. “Ryerson taught me how to be a rock star.”

Today when Carty is showing his portfolio one will find an intriguing collection of incredible individuals ranging from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, NBA player Chris Bosh, Kardinal Offishal, Sandra Oh and many more.

Behind these impressive photos and the walls of his studio situated in the heart of Toronto lies a man who not only loves photography, but gives part of himself back to the industry and to the people he teaches everyday. “ I have an unconventional way of teaching people how to shoot and that unconventional way has made people into photographers.” Carty holds many workshops and speaks to students around the areas. The studio is full of people getting their foot into the door, learning first hand from Carty himself. “ I love the fact that people love being here.”

Meeting amazing people, feeling the rush of taking a photograph, creating scenarios and utilizing the power of teaching others everyday make up the man that is Steve Carty. And that is why at the end of the day, this man hasn’t made it through a day at work, he has simply learned something new that will allow his art to grow tomorrow.

“I’m good, but I’m trying to grow to the point where I’m great, then amazing, and hopefully sometime before I die I will be exceptional.”