Hayati Magazine Issue 12 | Page 50

HAYATI FEATURE Momna prefers working on fashion illustration but sometimes it just depends on what she is inspired by. Although her fashion sketches could lead you to picture her as an avid fashionista, constantly following the latest trends, Momna confesses that she is far from it. However, like most girls she dabbles in a little trend following here and there. Since she lives in NewYork, she has to walk a lot so being comfortable in whatever she wears is primarily what shapes her sense of style. I find it quite intriguing to know what her sense of style and her slight interest in a trend or two have no influence what so ever on her sketches. However, Islam does inspire her work. Momna explains that in the beginning, Islam did not really influence her work, but after she began to follow many hijab fashion blogs, she was inspired to try to incorporate the best of both worlds in one piece. “I am far from a fashionista!” The response she has been getting from people across of the world has been “awesome so far Alhamdulillah” she says. Social Media has helped her to improve her art and has given her the type of exposure she could have never dreamt of. When I asked her what her goals were and where she sees her passion for art going, she replied “I’m taking it one day at a time”, which I believe is the best thing to do many times. Other than illustrating, Momna is a huge makeup and nail varnish collector even though she admits that she does not use them as much as she would like to. “I love love love applying henna on friends and family and if there is no one available I would just grab a white piece of paper and start designing on that with a henna cone”. I am really amazed by this young girl’s talent and by the front cover she sketched and designed especially for Hayati this month. I wish her all the best and may Allah swt guide her studies and her craft. 50 HAYATI