>>If I carry on Google Image Searching the way that I do, I’m going to have to create a "Whatty of the Week" feature. Last week, it was those batty zipper shoes from South Australia (turns out a reader lives really close to her – is indirect stalking illegal?). This week, I google "navy blue" and somehow wind up on MuslimBase.com which leads me to the Islamic Clothing section where I hap upon these leather socks otherwise known as kufs or hajj socks. I’m veering into dangerous territory here as a) these are socks meant for men and b) not knowing the religious significance of them, I haven’t a clue what exactly would be the ultimate symbolism behind wearing them. All I know is that they’re ¬£11.99, real leather and basically the alpha version of Posso the Spat‘s wonderful leg adornments which are just a little out of my budget…. these would make ankle booties out of my platform shoes in a little over a tenner… and with that statement, I have flushed any smidges of credibility I did have by using my ‘airy fashion lovie’ ways on a site that sells hijibs and the quran… damn you Google Images.
Whatty of the Week
If I hadn’t read your description I would have had no idea what those were!
I thought these were deflated or roadkill boots at first.
So did you buy them? Do they come in black?
I’m glad you desctibed those, because I hadn’t the slightest idea about what they were. Interesting.
The leather socks are part of the pilgrimage attire. Those who can not find sandals or shoes to wear, were advised to wear leather khuffs (this is in the olden days..). I assume now it’s easier to find sandals than real leather socks!
I thought they were those flappy Rick Owens boots at first!
from my personal experience, its what SOS says. the leather sock is a shoe/sandal alternative, and for practical reasons, depending on the ground one is walking on, it protects the feet more than a regular sock would. (hence why very practical to be worn during hajj)
if you want them, wear them. at the end of the day they’re just leather socks. and they’re for a small price too, im sure someone of rick owens or the like would charge 5x the price for a leather sock.
the socks may even be marked down, as hajj is coming up very soon.
Those, are amazing!
I love google.
Next time I need to clean up an industrial spill I keep these in mind…why didn’t you ask Imelda makes Spats, I’ll send you some – you wear fur?
I don’t think that finding a unique and creative use for something found on a muslim clothing site would flush away “any smidges of credibility” you had. Isn’t fashion about innovation, regardless of where the inspiration may come?
I’m muslim, albeit a liberal/progressive one, and I know *quite* well that sites like those carry a lot of rather unappealing clothing… but I think that it’s really interesting that you found use for something on there.
That said there are a few emerging fashion designers from the muslim world that are worth keeping an eye on, such as Rabia Z.
I think she was did a show in London early this year for the International London Fashion Week.
Anyway, here are some links if you’d like to take a look:
http://current.com/items/89001365/islamic_fashionista.htm
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/CityHome.asp?xfile=data/citytimes/2008/January/citytimes_January196.xml§ion=citytimes&col=
You’re posts are always an entertaining read, Susie, you’re most spontaneous.
Thanks!
Ooh! How interesting! I love spats, and would be curious to see how these look over shoes.
I hadn’t realized the crazy zip shoes were in SA, may have to go re-read that post, as I’m from there too 🙂
have to say that I love them….
shameless self promotion, but my friend and I are offering custom leather spats based on a pattern from 40’s army nurse spats I own via my Etsy (link in my blog sidebar), check it out if you are interested.
Those are spats on steroids! If they came in a small enough size, I think they’d look fantastic. Of course, there’s still the question about whether or not they might offend someone. Surely you can google that!
You MUST continue with these image searches. I am loving these odd finds!
You MUST continue with these image searches. I am loving these odd finds!
Reminds me of the Rick Owens boots!
hi,, I’m a muslim and from my knowledge the socks have no religious significance. just like the belt with pockets and zippers (to hide your money from the pickpockets out there) they have for hajj too ,, Its just for practical reason.
haha wow the things you can find on the internet. I’d love to see how you’d wear them though. Your blog was probably the first I started following <3
they are just slippers that are worn during hajj just so your feet wont get scuffed up since youre supposed to be very simple during the whole pilgrimage. so no significance, go for it! i wouldlove to see what you do with it 😉
I love specialist shops. Full of crazy finds.
This is the first time I have seen those. It’s rather amusing the kind of stuff google Search throws up. Did you buy them?
They’ve already gone down to ¬£5.99 but they seem to only come in large sizes
http://www.muslimbase.com/product_info.php?products_id=3499&Znid=a4t8m4c0vsksjp6g24eu14bm96
Oo what a strange yet wonderful find! I’m guessing they just happen to be a practical solution to the needs of pilgrims on hajj, but quite a cool price, and lots of scope for diy projects 🙂
Buy them, wear them, show us photos! x
ıf that ıs that much dıffıcult to understand the relatıonshıp between these socks (not shoes) google it correctly!!!
i suggest you not to use any religious critics on ur blog..without learning the details correctly..