StyleIslam: Fun, Creative and Unifying Fashion & Design

ARAB NEWS
By Lisa Kaaki

GERMANY - After 9/11, the world changed its attitude toward Muslims and Islam. Every Muslim was viewed as a possible terrorist. At that point, the founder of Styleislam, graphic designer Melih Kesmen, thought it was time to show Islam in a different light and come up with a positive statement. Before founding Styleislam, an online Islamic-themed clothing label, in Germany three years ago, Kesmen was the CEO of Manatwork, an advertising agency which he established in 1998. Kesmen wanted to challenge the stereotypes of Islam that were being circulated, so he designed hip street wear along with accessories adorned with Islamic messages. These slogans introduced people to the Muslim faith. Kesmen is especially committed to international projects involving young Muslims and non-Muslims in Germany. Although the majority of customers are Muslims, approximately a quarter of the customers are non-Muslim. [link]