Last week, something groundbreaking happened: Modest fashion had a coming-out party. Muslim designers from all around the world showcased their designs for the first Istanbul Modest Fashion Week (IMFW).
The Turkish modest fashion giant sponsored the event, which took place at a historic train station turned catwalk. It's no surprise that the event happened in Istanbul: according to Thomson Reuters, Turkey is the largest consumer of modest fashion, spending $24.84 billion annually. CEO Kerim Ture told The New York Times, "[We want] to create mainstream fashion out of modest fashion and energize Islamic communities to produce [clothing] for Muslim women."
"I attended the event because I believe it's important to shed light on this growing space where Muslim designers are taking it upon themselves to define what modest fashion is," said prominent modest fashion blogger Leena Asad. Designer Annah Hariri said, "I see IMFW as a statement to prove that modest fashion has its demand worldwide and that Muslim designers are the ones dictating the narrative of modest fashion."
Mariah Idrissi, the first hijab-wearing model featured in a mainstream fashion campaign, said, "Despite the need for mainstream fashion brands to acknowledge the Muslim consumer, IMFW demonstrated an equal need for Muslim designers to lead this space by providing beautiful and stylish options that do not compromise our beliefs."
Here are some of the highlights:
Annah Hariri
Long, flowing gowns in beautiful florals with solid-colored headscarves to match were showcased.
Irna La Perle
Indonesian designer Irna La Perle showed stunning wedding gowns that cover the body and hair without sacrificing style and beauty.
Samar Murad
Bahraini designer Samar Murad incorporated Kufic-style Arabic calligraphy into her innovative designs with unambiguous Moroccan and Turkish influences.
De Irma
De Irma wowed in Victorian-inspired silhouettes complete with lace, tulle, silk, and plenty of intricate embroidery in warm earth tones.
Lazaza Gulcan Kaya
Turkish Designer Lazaza Gulcan Kaya went bold with fiery orange-red lace that was incorporated directly into the headscarf for an effortless formal look.
Telekung Siti Khadijah
Malaysian designer Telekung Siti Khadijah incorporated traditional Malay headwear into her formal-wear pieces in a demure white and ivory color palette.
Melanie Elturk is the CEO of Haute Hijab, an online brand for modest fashion.
