The Burka fine line

Saara Sabbagh (front), wears silky smudge-green patterned maxi-dress with deeply ruffled hemline, chocolate jacklet and underscarf with draped latte headscarf. Nadine (left, rear), wears sunset-orange border print maxi-dress and Toltu Tufa (right), the sage floral maxi she modernised with Dotti denim vest and metallic silver sandals.
Photo: Melanie Faith Dove

Sydney Morning Herald

Hijab chic

Islamic dress code puts an elegant twist on a summer trend, writes Janice Breen Burns.

The graceful maxi-dress sashayed into fashion just in time for summer and in certain Muslim circles, the joy was palpable. "It's fantastic," says youth and community worker, Saara Sabbagh, 37, delighted. "We're all out there, stocking up on maxis now."

In shops from Supre to Sportsgirl and many small boutiques, summer's crop of maxi-frocks is a rich and colourful windfall for many Muslim women. Not only that, many of the prettiest are still on sale. "I got this for, I think, $30," says university student Nadine Sabbagh, 19. She shakes out the skirts of a silky, flame-orange floor-grazer that she has cleverly teamed with a nut-brown jersey bolero and terracotta silk headscarf.

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http://www.smh.com.au/news/lifeandstyle/fashion/hijab-chic/2009/01/08/1231004247633.html

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Concerns 76% support; from the story/link below:

"This is about ensuring a more safe and secure retail environment for all and being able to readily identify any and all perpetrators of armed hold-ups or shop theft."

A poll on the station's website on Thursday asking, "Should we impose restrictions on the wearing of burkas in Australia?" had a yes result of 76 per cent, and 23 per cent no, at 10am (AEST).

Retailers want hijabs, helmets, hoodies banned in shops

Article from: AAP

AAP

January 15, 2009 02:26pm

CUSTOMERS wearing Islamic hijabs in shops and banks are a security threat, retailers say.

The National Retailers Association today called for all hijabs, helmets and hoodies to be banned in shops and banks for security purposes.

Brisbane radio presenter Michael Smith angered listeners after calling for Muslim women who wore a hijab to be fined.

The 4BC drive presenter said on Wednesday that wearing the hijab or burka posed a security risk because it obscured the face, making it difficult to identify the wearer in the instance of a crime.

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http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24916449-661,00.html