The two junior barristers from human rights chambers Doughty Street have come together to design and launch a hijab for court wear after realising that none of the usual court outfitters sell the product. Regulatory and crime lawyer Karlia Lykourgou and criminal advocate Maryam Mir have launched the hijab after spotting a gap in the market. The hijab is the latest release from Ivy & Normanton, the first ever outfitter dedicated to court wear for women.
The duo tried different materials but decided to use bamboo silk, as it would keep barristers adjustable with the weather. The hijab is designed in black and white colour. The sale started
from 31 March 2021. “I thought this was crazy, so we decided to design one that would be comfortable for a hijab-wearing barrister but also fit well with the rest of the outfit,” said Karlia.
While Karlia designed the hijab, Maryam ensured that it would be appropriate for barristers to wear in court. Hijab-wearing barristers are exempt from the traditional wig in court, but there isn't any guidance on what this should look like. “It can take years for someone to find one that works, it has to tuck inside the collar or suit but also be comfortable,” Karlia added.
“There aren't many hijab-wearing barristers, but in the crown court I have seen white hijabs worn and in the magistrates, I have seen black, so we decided to design both. “In May 2020, Raffia Arshad became the first hijab-wearing deputy district judge in the UK. She was appointed as a judge on the Midlands circuit after 17 years in the profession.
