Did Laura Start Something on TALK?

On last Thursday’s TALK, Rick Wayne’s guest was outspoken human rights advocate and front-line member of Women In Action, Laura Jn Pierre. The evening’s topic centered on what Ms Jn Pierre referred to as Saint Lucia’s “rape culture.” But although callers generally supported her appeal for appropriate education as well as official recognition of rape as one of the worst abuses of human rights, at least two chose to address Ms Jn Pierre’s clothing—as had the host.

In response to a caller, an uncharacteristically apologetic Rick Wayne said: “I was kidding Laura about her outfit and may have left the wrong impression. Rape is no joking matter and I apologize for my inappropriate remark.”

For her part, Wayne’s guest said: “I wanted to underscore, by the way I am dressed this evening, that no matter how covered up a woman might be, she cannot guarantee a sick person won’t try to rape her.”

It wasn’t so much what Wayne’s guest had chosen to wear—black slacks with a cover-all long-sleeved black top—that evidently had disturbed some viewers. What especially captured their attention, judging by later off-air comments, was the black scarf over her head and shoulders that had prompted Wayne’s comment immediately after he introduced Jn Pierre: “Have you joined ISIS?”

She had not, of course. It turns out, however, that Ms Jn Pierre may inadvertently have joined thousands of regular young women in the UK, with an insatiable appetite for Islamic fashion. According to the Daily Mail: “It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in fashion and the likes of Hermes and Estee Lauder have launched exclusive collections based on it, from Arabic cloaks (abayas) to hijabs.”

Moreover: “Now clothing brand Aab is hoping to cash in on the trend for modest styles and Islamic fashion with its first boutique.” The Mail reported that over 2000 shoppers flocked over the weekend to East Shopping Center, in Green Street, East London to shop and to see “hijabi blogger” Dina Torkia, 25, open the store.

The Mail also reports that the London-based Aab was founded in 2007 and creates original designs by in-house designers who take their inspiration from global trends.

“The brand is one of the world’s leading online retailers in the modest clothing sector,” the Mail said.