It's summertime ... and Gap is welcoming the season by celebrating diversity, with a hijabi.
Last week, the American clothing retailer launched its new summer collection with a video featuring Americans from around the country, one of whom is a hijabi.
"Along the way we met truly amazing people (like you). Brave and loving, funny and powerful, complex and strong," Gap wrote in an Instagram caption.
"You Are Gap" is at the core of the campaign
The campaign was met with some criticism from people who claimed the brand is "capitalizing on current affairs" - the same way Nike was >attacked following its 'Pro Hijab' line announcement.
But, there's much more to the story, and one hijabi shed light on the bigger picture in a Facebook post that has since been making the rounds online.
"Yes, it's marketing. Yes, it's a brand capitalizing on current affairs and yes it's a big corporation tapping into the American Muslim demographic to make more money as many others have been doing. But this is also a big American company taking a stand in a critical time in our history, acknowledging my identity, and speaking to my community," Zeena Alkurdi wrote in a> Facebook post.
Despite the criticism, the campaign was welcomed by hundreds of people from all over the world, because two words: Muslim representation.
"I am curious, passionate. A hard worker and a dreamer. I am kind-hearted — and all about my friends and family."
Haute Hijab, a company that creates designer hijabs, had one of its headscarves featured in the ad
"When Gap reached out to us about featuring one of our hijabs in their campaign, we were thrilled! It’s finally out, and we could not be more excited about the finished piece!" the Haute Hijab staff wrote in a blog post.
Inclusivity wins!
The campaign appeared in different parts of the world including Paris ...
In Soho ...
And of course in the United States ...
"I know where I'm spending my money when I go shopping"
Looks like people want other brands to follow Gap's lead
Big brands are catering to modest and hijab-wearing women more today than ever before
Earlier this year, Nike >announced its plans to launch Nike Pro Hijab, a sportswear collection that caters to modest and hijab-wearing women, featuring Egyptian mountain climber Manal Rostom, who is also a Nike run club coach and Nike trainer.
Following the announcement, many people >attacked the sportswear giant, as discussions on what women can and cannot wear ensued.
But, many also spoke out against the criticism, focusing on the positive side of it all.
Emirati weightlifter Amna Al Haddad wanted the world to know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with Nike catering to modest and hijab-wearing women. They aren't the first, nor the last.
"I support Muslim women with or without hijab, and how they dress is their choice. And with the Nike Sports Hijab, it surely will encourage a new generation of athletes to pursue sports professionally, and without us athletes who fought for this right and made it happen, Nike wouldn’t 'just do it,'" Haddad >wrote in an Instagram post at the time.
It's not just Nike though.
In 2015, H&M >featured a veiled Muslim model - Mariah Idrissi -for the first time.
And then the following year, Dolce & Gabbana >released its first-ever collection of abayas and hijabs.
Looks like we should be expecting more our way!