Lewis was born in northeast London. She trained in Fine Art and Art History at the University of Leeds, and received her MA in English: Critical Theory from Sussex University. Her PhD in Humanities at Middlesex University on western women orientalist artists and writers marked a new development in understandings of gender and imperial cultures.[1]
Career
Lewis's research has focused upon postcolonial history, Middle Eastern and Ottoman women's history, lesbian and gay studies and studies of other minority groups.[3] Her 2015 book Muslim Fashion drew on over ten years of research into the subject, in particular the use of the hijab as a fashion statement.[4][5] The launch of the book was combined with a London College of Fashion panel discussion on "Muslim Fashion: recent histories, future directions".[6] In 2016, she was an introducer for the foundation of the British Asian Fashion Network.[7] A frequent media commentator, Lewis's writings and opinion have appeared across the global media in more recently The New York Times, Le Monde, The Guardian, The Times, and Marie Claire magazine, and she is regularly to be heard on BBC Radio 4.[8]
Uncovering Modesty: Dejabis and Dewigies Expanding the Parameters of the Modest Fashion Blogosphere (2015) ISSN1362-704X
Reports
(Lewis R, Aune K, and Molokotos-Liederman L), Modest Fashion in UK Women’s Working Life: A report for fashion and the creative industries and creative arts education (2021) ISBN9781906908669
(Aune K, Lewis R, and Molokotos-Liederman L). Modest Fashion in UK Women’s Working Life: A report for employers, HR professionals, religious organisations, and policymakers (2021)ISBN9781906908652