I wanted to be a hijabi and be fashionable at the same time. I always loved fashion so much that I started inventing my own version of it, says Ramzana Sulfikar, popular hijabi influencer on her journey as a fashionista.

Fashion comes in many forms. I like everything in black, beige and all dark. There is a great deal with how you dress, hence I always try to create a signature through my dresses. I think men’s fashion is classier than women’s.

Inspiration can come from anywhere: it could be the dress of an old man as had happened in my case recently as I was travelling in a bus with mother. He was around 70, but was wearing a beige shirt neatly tucked in pants. I told my mother to stich one like that for me.

Through Instagram I met many international bloggers, and learned a lot from them. I love more of minimal and oversized dresses.

People mocked me, saying “Is this your father’s dress? “ But my mother is my biggest support. She always says "wear whatever you like."

“I believe fashion and modesty go hand in hand. When I first started out, things were different, but the fun fact is, those people who mocked me are the ones who follow me. Even big brands approach me now. I don’t actually buy costly dress but I do the best use of the available and I want to inspire girls to be stylish with what they have. I like helping people with styles. We all have unique personalities and our dress can be changed according to our ways, other than simply copying someone’s style. We should discover our own, at first people can laugh at you, sooner or later they tend to know you for it. The era of copying other people’s idea is over but now you discover yours'. Remember, we all notice the one who dresses well,” Ramzana remarks.

Though an under-graduate student at National College, Kovalam, Ramzana is serious about what she is doing, and has secured more than 4,000 followers on Instagram in a brief span. “After 12th grade, I joined Instagram and started posting pics and tagging brands on the go. I took it seriously that after I started concentrating on my feed, I got 700 followers within four months and soon I reached 1,500 followers. Soon I started getting collaborations. Now people recognise me as the hijab model. I found them madly following the trends, but that might be costly or out of their comfort zone. Sometimes you have to understand that fashion can be comfortable. I always wear whatever I like, with that trend I suit myself,” Ramzana says while tracing her popularity on the photo and video-sharing social networking service.

Hijab is not just a dress or fashion accessory, avers the young fashionista.

“I think modesty, fashion and hijab go well together. I want to show them what’s modesty and what’s hijab. Many people are confused: it’s not the person who wears hijab who is modest. Being hijabi doesn't mean covering head or all dressed up, but it is all about the simplicity of heart. It’s also definitely not mere wearing a shawl. What’s the point in wearing something that you are not happy with?" Ramzana wonders.

In future she sees herself as a successful entrepreneur with a boutique for herself, and also as a fashion blogger.

"There is no limit to trend your hijab with. Sunglasses with hijab especially and cat eye with a minimal outfit can never go wrong. You can always style your hijab whatever way you like. Even can flaunt it with ornaments. Pearl hijab clip is high on trends now," notes Ramzana.

Some looks that rock the college campus according to her are:

Turban Hijab

Ready-made turbans hijabs are in and are convenient. They go well with oversized dresses and also give a vintage or classy look.

Hijab Caps

Hijab cap is a staple thing. It can keep the hijab in place and every hijab must have a hijab cap. It also helps to keep the entire hair in place.

Jersey hijab is most commonly available in Kerala.

Breathable hijab caps are pricey but they are worth every penny.

Hijab Clips

Hijab clips come in sensational styles. They are very costly on online sites but are available cheaply in local shops. Coats and jacket can add to your fashion statement.