Hariri & Hariri Architecture to Design Contemporary Muslim Fashion Exhibition for de Young Museum

Fast-fashion and the democratization of fashion through social media has opened up a new avenue for Islamic women to express themselves through stylish but modest garments. The de Young Museum’s upcoming exhibition, “Contemporary Muslim Fashions,” will be the first major museum exhibition to explore these new trends in Muslim dress. The museum hired New York–based architecture firm Hariri & Hariri to design the space. The firm is helmed by Iranian sisters Gisue Hariri and Mojgan Hariri, who were inducted into Interior Design’s Hall of Fame in 2006. The space that they design for “Contemporary Muslim Fashions” will channel the paradox of Muslim dress—how to be at once seen and not seen, how to cover and protect oneself, and how to live in the modern world and still embody traditional values.

“As women architects born and raised in Iran, with an international architecture and design firm based in New York City, we often find ourselves engaged in today’s widespread conversations surrounding the Muslim ban and the women’s movement,” said Gisue and Mojgan in a statement. “At a time when Muslim women are being increasingly targeted for using their fashion choices to assert their independence and identity, we hope that this exhibition will allow a positive review and examination of a community that’s often talked about but rarely given the chance to speak and present itself.”

“Contemporary Muslim Fashions” will be on view at San Francisco’s de Young Museum from September 22, 2018, to January 6, 2019.