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A look at mipsters, an untapped commercial market of young, hip Muslims
Mipsters, or young, modern, stylish Muslims who are not afraid to express themselves, are considered an untapped commercial market.
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Mipster style from Barcha clothing store, Paris. (Instagram/Barcha/-)
M
ipster is considered an untapped commercial market, according to the Guardian. The term refers to young, modern, stylish Muslims who are not afraid to express themselves.
Mipster – or Muslim hipster – was a term popularized over jokes by a small group of urban Muslims in New York City, according to CNN.com. The term became globally known after their video titled Somewhere in America #MIPSTERZ spread in December 2013.
This group see themselves as a large collective of individuals that sees no limit in "find coolness in themselves and sharing their God-given gifts with all", or in other words modern young Muslims who are into the latest trends, just like other young people out there.
(Read also: Fashionable Muslim wear necessary to attract younger generation: Ria Miranda)
“A mipster is someone at the forefront of the latest music, fashion, art, critical thought, food, imagination, creativity and all forms of obscure everything. A mipster is someone who seeks inspiration from the Islamic tradition of divine scriptures, volumes of knowledge, mystical poets, bold prophets, inspirational politicians, esoteric Imams and our fellow human beings searching for transcendental states of consciousness,” says the group on its Tumblr page.
Despite their interest in the latest trends, mipsters are considered unique because they need extra assurance when it comes to buying products. Like in fashion for example, they still need to cover up their body. A raising trend of burkini – burqa bikini – is a great example of retailers trying to serve their need for swimwear. Which is no wonder, since the Muslim segment is reportedly a huge untapped commercial worldwide market worth US$2.17 trillion annually, including in retail, skincare, fashion and lifestyle. (kes)
