Aheda Zanetti facts for kids

Aheda Zanetti is a talented fashion designer from Australia who was born in Lebanon. She is famous for creating special sportswear for Muslim women, helping them to be active and comfortable while still following their faith.

Aheda Zanetti: Designing for Everyone

Her Early Life and Big Idea

Aheda Zanetti was born in Tripoli, Lebanon, in 1967. When she was just two years old, her family moved to Australia. Growing up, Aheda noticed that Muslim girls sometimes found it hard to play sports comfortably. Their traditional clothing, like the hijab, wasn't always practical for physical activities.

This gave Aheda a great idea! She wanted to design sportswear that would allow Muslim girls to participate fully in sports without feeling restricted. Her first special design was called the hijood. This name is a mix of the words hijab and hood. It was a comfortable and modest head covering perfect for sports.

Creating Sportswear for Muslim Women

In 2004, Aheda Zanetti launched her own line of sportswear specifically for Muslim women. She named her brand Ahiida and started a company called Ahiida Pty Ltd. Under this brand, she continued to create innovative designs.

One of her most well-known creations is the burqini (also spelled burkini). This name is a combination of the words burqa and bikini. The burqini is a special swimsuit designed for Muslim women. It allows them to swim and enjoy water activities while still being covered in a way that respects their faith.

The Burqini Story

The burqini quickly became very popular. It offered a practical and modest option for swimming that many women had been looking for. Aheda Zanetti has estimated that her company has sold more than 700,000 of these special garments since 2008. This shows how much her designs have helped women around the world.

Even though "Burqini" and "Burkini" are registered trademarks owned by Aheda Zanetti's company, these words have become common terms. People now often use them to describe any similar type of Islamic swimwear, even if it's not made by Ahiida. Aheda Zanetti's designs have truly made a big impact on sportswear and fashion for Muslim women.

External links

• Burqini website