• Halima Aden in Rasit Bagzibagli: one of the most prominent hijab-wearing models in the world, Aden sports a layered creation by the Turkish Cypriot bridal and eveningwear designer.
    Halima Aden in Rasit Bagzibagli: one of the most prominent hijab-wearing models in the world, Aden sports a layered creation by the Turkish Cypriot bridal and eveningwear designer.
  • Another Rasit Bagzibagli look. The designer says of his creations: "My outfits feature intricately embellished patterns, asymmetric hems and floor-sweeping designs of cascading tulle and chiffon."
    Another Rasit Bagzibagli look. The designer says of his creations: "My outfits feature intricately embellished patterns, asymmetric hems and floor-sweeping designs of cascading tulle and chiffon."
  • Huw Roman: the Tokyo-based women's modest wear label launched in November 2015.
    Huw Roman: the Tokyo-based women's modest wear label launched in November 2015.
  • Another look from Huw Roman. The Japanese label describes its modestwear as embodying "delicacy, individuality and chicness".
    Another look from Huw Roman. The Japanese label describes its modestwear as embodying "delicacy, individuality and chicness".
  • Lina Sukijo: the Indonesia-based designer is known for her casual and colourful "syar'i" fashion, which is perfect for stylish day wear.
    Lina Sukijo: the Indonesia-based designer is known for her casual and colourful "syar'i" fashion, which is perfect for stylish day wear.
  • Dosougi Designs: aimed at millennial Muslims, the US- and UK-based brand creates functional yet trendy modestwear.
    Dosougi Designs: aimed at millennial Muslims, the US- and UK-based brand creates functional yet trendy modestwear.
  • Fllumaé: the high-end modest label operates from New York and Kentucky in the United States.
    Fllumaé: the high-end modest label operates from New York and Kentucky in the United States.
  • Doris Dorothea: known for its leather handbags, the Indonesian label cites the simplicity of the modern woman as its inspiration.
    Doris Dorothea: known for its leather handbags, the Indonesian label cites the simplicity of the modern woman as its inspiration.
  • Anggia Handmade: although the the Indonesian clothing brand has been around since 2013, Dubai Modest Fashion Week marked its first international forway.
    Anggia Handmade: although the the Indonesian clothing brand has been around since 2013, Dubai Modest Fashion Week marked its first international forway.
  • Aere: the ready-to-wear label was founded by Malaysian fashion blogger and influencer Raja Nadia Sabrina in 2014.
    Aere: the ready-to-wear label was founded by Malaysian fashion blogger and influencer Raja Nadia Sabrina in 2014.
  • Anotah: the Kuwait-based brand was established in 1998 to appeal new-age modest Middle Eastern women.
    Anotah: the Kuwait-based brand was established in 1998 to appeal new-age modest Middle Eastern women.
  • Muslima Wear: based in Istanbul, the label boasts customers across the Middle East, US, Europe, Africa and Russia.
    Muslima Wear: based in Istanbul, the label boasts customers across the Middle East, US, Europe, Africa and Russia.
  • Canadian teen brand Yours Truly is known for its hoodies, long-sleeved T-shirts and embellished jackets.
    Canadian teen brand Yours Truly is known for its hoodies, long-sleeved T-shirts and embellished jackets.
  • Turkey-based Selma Sari Design looks to create clothing that is at once elegant and comfortable.
    Turkey-based Selma Sari Design looks to create clothing that is at once elegant and comfortable.
  • Samah Shublaq: the Dubai-based Palestinian designer is known for her colourful attire and head scarfs.
    Samah Shublaq: the Dubai-based Palestinian designer is known for her colourful attire and head scarfs.

Looks from Dubai Modest Fashion Week - in pictures


Panna Munyal
  • English
  • Arabic

Following in the footsteps of Istanbul and London, the UAE played host to the third-ever Modest Fashion Week on December 8 and 9, at Burj Park in Dubai. Founders Franka Soeria and Özlem Sahin told The National: "After we did Istanbul, many cities asked us to come and show. So we did London and that went really well. We get contacted by a lot of countries but with some there is a big challenge to try and explain modest women. And then we thought about the Middle East and we realised that Dubai is one of the most recognised cities. It is the perfect area; it is international, open and it shares our view that modesty is a choice, so we don't have to work hard to explain what we are trying to do." Read the full interview here.