Visibly Muslim

Emma Tarlo is Reader in Anthropology, Goldsmiths, University of London.

Fluid style, beautiful pictures, and honest stories. Muslimah Media Watch Beautifully written and compelling, Emma Tarlo's new book finds a way to be fair-minded in the political minefield that surrounds the dress of visibly Muslim women in the UK. Animated by the nuanced detail of sartorial biographies and documenting changes in hijab fashion, Visibly Muslim provides a sophisticated examination of the dramatic increase in covered dressing and the reasons why it continues to matter so much to its practitioners and observers. This makes an essential read. Reina Lewis, Professor of Cultural Studies, London College of Fashion. Author of 'Rethinking Orientalism: Women, Travel and the Ottoman Harem'. Tarlo's finely written analysis of Muslim women's dress choices in Britain is sensitive, thoughtful and measured-- a refreshing counterpoint to the two dimensional media coverage of the subject. She examines such choices from multiple angles: personal, aesthetic, social, religious and political, while making sure that we understand the dynamism inherent in decisions about dress. Niloofar Haeri, Professor of Anthropology, John Hopkins University. Author of 'Sacred Language: Ordinary People, Dilemmas of Culture and Politics in Egypt' I'd highly recommend it to anyone interested in Muslim women's expression of faith in the UK. Hijab Style Blog Tarlo's work shows the changing contemporary styles of first-generation British Islamic fashion design companies and opens dialogue for mutual understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims interested in clothing subtleties. Highly Recommended. Chico, Choice Magazine This is an outstanding contribution to the debates about Muslim dress and identity in the contemporary world. Tarlo has produced a tour-de-force that should help reframe the debates about Muslim dress and Muslims in the West more generally. Anshuman Mondal This beautifully written and illustrated book by Emma Tarlo is remarkable for showing just how much of profound significance has been left out of sight in earlier scholarly discussions - paradoxically, perhaps given that veiling as a social phenomenon concerns visibility, the social and personal significance attached to declaring oneself sartorially a Muslim in public. Pnina Werbner, Sociological Review This well researched book with its lively interviews and informative footnotes lives up to its promise to educate on fashion, politics, and faith in a world which includes 1.5 billion people whose religion is Islam. Thinking Out Loud Splendid ... Tarlo's book gives the reader a clearly-written, beautifully illustrated, way to understand the lives of British Muslims; a true anthropological achievement. Anthropos A fascinating and important study of the clash as well as the confluence of civilizations, one that should be of interest to scholars while easily within reach of students Anthropology Review Database

• Introduction Biographies in dress: The Comedian, the Artist and the Activist London, Multiculturalism and Hijab Hybrid Hijabis: Impression Management through style Against Diversity: The Jilbab Controversy Covering Concerns: Passion, Piety and the Face veil Hijab online: the ethnography of a website Refashioning the Islamic in the West Afterword