Last month, Barbie debuted its new curvy Barbie, tall Barbie, and petite Barbie. Now, in the latest bid to give girls realistic body image and different fashion choices, we have "Hijarbie," created by 24-year-old Haneefah Adam from Nigeria.
Adam uses her Instagram account, @Hijarbie, to showcase "mini hijab fashion." It's the same doll we're all familiar with, but instead of princess gowns and bikinis, it's hijabs, abayas, and flowing skirts.
But it's not just about showing people how diverse and creative modest fashion can be; it's also about showing hijabi girls that they are no less beautiful or special than any other girl.
"I want them to be inspired — this is about having an alternative and creating an awareness of having toys that adopts your religion and culture and in your own likeness, which at the end of the day, leads to an improvement in self-esteem," Adam told Mic in an interview.
Adam is part of a growing number of fashion influencers online. Retail giants including H&M and Dolce & Gabbana are now stocking hijabs and hiring hijabi models for ad campaigns. And the Islamic fashion industry is expected to be worth $327 billion by 2020.
