Barbie gets a Muslim makeover – now there is ‘HIJARBIE BARBIE’

Adam skilfully hand sews every one of Hijarbie’s hijabs and abayas to ensure the flawless fit, inspired by Muslim style bloggers in the way they’re able to find a bridge between modesty and fashion.

Created by a 24-year-old Nigerian medical student and fashion blogger, Haneefah Adam, the new model of what she calls “Hijarbie”, is aimed at making an impact among Muslim children, so that they can be more aware of their cultural roots.

After years of scathing feedback about her figure and plunging sales figures, Barbie has undergone major changes this year – and now there are lots of new body types for the classic doll. She has a master’s degree in pharmacology and is also responsible for the budding modest lifestyle brand Hanie.

Each Hijarbie is posted on Adam’s Instagram account, which has gained over 8,000 followers since she joined two months ago.

Plus, she wanted to see the world’s most popular doll dressed like she would dress – chic and covered. “I’d have loved to dress up a black doll myself too…”

“I want to inspire the Muslim girl”.

The reason behind Hijarbie is not merely to demonstrate how attractive and trendy modest style can be, but also to present to girls who may be wearing a hijab themselves that they are equally, or more, handsome and special than Barbie herself. Adam said the following.

After crafting the idea for a few months, she came home to Nigeria and started documenting her idea – creating all of the hijabs and dresses on her own.

It’s time that Mattel emulates H&M, Uniqlo, Dolce & Gabbana, and others who have stocked up on hijabs in a quest to answer the growing diversity demands from its customers.

‘Instead of dressing up her dolls in clothes she wouldn’t wear, hijabifying it will create a sense of belonging’.