Can Islam and status consumption live together in the house of fashion clothing?

Abstract

PurposeReligion is a significant force in the lives of many people, however; its role in fashion clothing consumption is still unclear. To expand the knowledge on this issue, the present study seeks to understand the role of religiosity in affecting status consumption and fashion consciousness (FC) among Generation Y Muslim consumers, specifically focussing on Iran.Design/methodology/approachA survey was designed and administered in Iran to a sample of 300 young adults aged between 18 and 24.FindingsThe findings of research show an inverse association between status consumption and religiosity, where individual's FC is contingent upon the degree to which they are status conscious or religious. The other major finding of the present study is the importance of brand status in mediating the relationship between FC and willingness to pay (WTP) a price premium for fashion clothing brands.Originality/valueThe originality of the study rests on exploring the moderating role of religiosity on the relationship between status consumption and fashion conscious among Iranian Generation Y Muslim consumers. Further, contrary to the belief that fashion conscious customers are willing to pay extra to obtain fashion brands, this relationship is not direct. New fashion conscious consumers pay extra provided that the new fashion brand enhances their status. Thus, the importance of status is in acknowledging the relationship between FC and WTP a price premium.