Hijab Cosplay: A Fashion Trend in Popular Culture.

This research focuses on the phenomenon of hijab cosplay as a fashion trend in popular culture and the representation of identity among Muslim women who combine cosplay and hijab. This research uses qualitative method with perceptual phenomenology approach, which aims to understand how Communication Theory of Identity developed by Michael Hecht and his colleagues in analyzing the identity of a hijab cosplayer by understanding it through four layers: personal layer, endorsement layer, communal layer, and relational layer. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with purposively selected hijab cosplayers, participant observation at cosplay events and observation of their activities on social media, and visual content analysis of photos and videos uploaded by participants on platforms such as Instagram. Triangulation of methods and data sources was used to increase the validity of the research findings, while member checking and peer debriefing were conducted to ensure the accuracy of interpretations. The results of this study show that the existence of hijab cosplay as a fashion trend in popular culture reflects a complex identity dynamic in which individuals successfully combine elements of religion and popular culture in their expression. Despite the challenges, hijab cosplayers have opened up a new space within the cosplay community, expanding the definition and acceptance of different forms of cultural expression. With the support of social media, this trend continues to grow, contributing significantly to intercultural dialogue and inclusivity in the global community. Therefore, the use communication theory of identity is very useful in understanding the identity formation process of hijab cosplayers in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]