Zainab Husain

Zainab Husain is a journalism student at the American University of Sharjah with a passion for pop culture, fashion, beauty, and politics.
19 Posts
See Rihab Nubi’s new Reel for Gucci Beauty

See Rihab Nubi’s new Reel for Gucci Beauty

Zainab Husain
UAE-based Sudanese creative Rihab Nubi (@riinubi) revealed her first major partnership with Gucci Beauty this week, promoting the brand's recently relaunched Eau de Parfum, Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia.  Rihab announced the partnership with a Reel on Instagram. The artistic video, which is at once whimsical yet punchy, embodies the Flora Fantasy theme of Gucci's Flora Gorgeous Gardenia relaunch. The short snippet shows Rihab dressed in a feminine pink dress layered over an electric yellow turtleneck, topped off with a cream-coloured headscarf. She poses and plays with the perfume in a field of flowers, capturing the spirit of the perfume’s joyful…
News
6 sisters are behind this sustainable swimwear brand

6 sisters are behind this sustainable swimwear brand

Zainab Husain
The phrase Sei Sorelle translates to "six sisters" in Italian, and is thus quite a fitting name for the London-based modest swimwear brand founded by Aneesa Zaman and her five sisters. The six of them are all healthcare professionals (two are dentists, two are pharmacists, and two are optometrists) who share a common aspiration: to create timeless, practical, and sustainable full-coverage swimsuits. Recognising that options for attractive and functional modest swimwear were limited for women, and struggling to find modest swimwear that suited their own requirements, the Zaman sisters decided to take matters into their own hands and launch their…
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Meet rising modest model Balqees Momodu

Meet rising modest model Balqees Momodu

Zainab Husain
Balqees Momodu (@ballymomodu) is on a mission to make a name for herself as a modest, hijab-wearing model in the fashion industry. In an exclusive interview with modestish, the aspiring Nigerian model, who is signed to Astria Models, talks about what inspired her to take on the modest lifestyle and what one trend she will never try (hint: you can guess this one!) 1.What attracts you to the idea of dressing modestly? Any personal turning point in your life that inspired you to embark on a more modest lifestyle? Firstly, it is the decree of the Almighty. Secondly, Do you…
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Sport sleek, surf-inspired swimwear by Shelline

Sport sleek, surf-inspired swimwear by Shelline

Zainab Husain
Shellíne is a modest surf/swimsuit brand created by Sabina and based in Russia. The designs are minimalist and eclectic. They have swimsuits with a diverse collection of patterns that will suit anyone’s vibe and, and if you ask us, Shellíne is definitely a modest swimwear brand to keep on your radar. For quite some time, the swimsuit industry only catered towards a specific demographic, excluded consumers who didn't fit into that "beach babe" aesthetic. Shellíne, however, is transforming how we view swimsuits and modesty. Read our interview with Sabina below: When did you launch your brand, and what was the…
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The micro modest fashion Instagrammer you need to follow

The micro modest fashion Instagrammer you need to follow

Zainab Husain
If there's one social media account that depicts the ultimate, idyllic, Pinterest-worthy mood board for covetable modest fashion, it's that of Dutch-Moroccan Souhailla, who lives in The Netherlands and posts under the pseudonym @modest.archives on Instagram. Here, you'll find dreamy photography of frills, ruffles and feminine fashion layered over white blouses and accessorized with ladylike pearls, gold jewellery and vintage-style bags galore. In an exclusive interview with modestish, Souhailla tells us about her love for oversized clothing, how she developed her aesthetic, what her wardrobe staple is and how faith inspires her sartorial statements. What’s one trend you’ll be living…
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Gucci Beauty just tapped this hijabi influencer

Gucci Beauty just tapped this hijabi influencer

Zainab Husain
Gucci Beauty's recent revelation on Instagram shows that the brand has collaborated with Milan-based hijabi influencer, Aya Mohamed (@milanpyramid) to promote its Rouge De Beauté Brillant lipstick. https://www.instagram.com/p/COTKRehtyEL/ Aya and Gucci Beauty launched a fresh and natural makeup tutorial on Instagram with a video that demonstrates how Aya achieves her go-to look, which features a soft liner, a light coverage dewy foundation, and a glossy tinted lip balm. In the IGTV tutorial, Aya used Gucci Beauty’s new Rouge De Beauté Brillant, which is a moisturizing and hydrating lip balm with a plumping effect. "For me, makeup is a form of…
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Ordestie is France’s first e-store for modest fashion

Ordestie is France’s first e-store for modest fashion

Zainab Husain
Ordestie (ordestie.estore on Instagram), founded in December 2020, is allegedly the first French multi-brand platform dedicated to modest fashion, and it is on a mission to break the taboos still surrounding the concept of modest fashion in France. Founded by Soukaïna Jaafari & Maud Garnier, Ordestie is a culmination of diverse collections, cultures, and passions. Recently, the French Senate voted in favour of a bill that would ban the hijab for women under 18, highlighting Islamophobic sentiments in the government and provoking widespread backlash and criticism from all over the world. French Muslim women are constantly facing challenges when merging…
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For me, modesty means clothing that’s “worship-approved”

For me, modesty means clothing that’s “worship-approved”

Zainab Husain
Jael Arleth Velez (@simply.jaelvelez on Instagram) is an Apostolic Christian fashion blogger spreading her love for fashion, modesty and Christ on the 'gram. Jael's colourful, yet elegant style is a testament to the fact that modesty is far from drab and boring. In an interview with modestish, she discusses her philosophy behind practicing modesty, gets candid about her unwavering relationship with her faith and remembers her biggest muse, her late grandmother: Define what modesty, as a word, means to you. To me modesty means more than just a fashion trend or fashion statement. More than just looking pretty. To me…
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Kosar Ali wears Alexander McQueen to the BAFTAs

Kosar Ali wears Alexander McQueen to the BAFTAs

Zainab Husain
British-Somali hijab-wearing actress and star of the 2019 coming age drama 'Rocks' Kosar Ali made her awards-show debut at the 74th BAFTA’s (British Academy Film Awards) on April 11, 2021, in a show-stopping, regal Alexander McQueen look from the brand's spring/summer 2021 collection. She was nominated best supporting actress for her performance in the critically acclaimed film about female adversity and teenage friendship in Hackney, London. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNnH5d4hMOK/ In her collection notes for spring/summer 21, Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, expressed her vision: “Shape, silhouette, and volume, the beauty of the bare bones of clothing stripped back to its essence—a…
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10 dreamy designs from Net-a-Porter’s Ramadan edit

10 dreamy designs from Net-a-Porter’s Ramadan edit

Zainab Husain
Consistently on top of the Ramadan fashion game with curated designer edits and exclusive collaborations for the Muslim Holy Month year after year, Net-a-Porter has yet again unveiled a spectacular style line-up for Ramadan 2021, which begins this week. "Designs reflect the needs of the local customer, whose searches for maxi and midi dresses increase by 80% during the Ramadan period," states a press release from Net-a-Porter. The campaign launch comes shortly after the luxury e-tailer unveiled a new localised platform in Arabic for its Middle East consumers, with personal shopping services dedicated to consumers in the Arab world. Renowned…
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Beach season on the horizon: meet Modest Up swimwear

Beach season on the horizon: meet Modest Up swimwear

Zainab Husain
We're nearing the end of March, and that means that the winter season is officially behind us. As staycations and beach trips begin to rise in popularity once again, we'll be introducing you to inspirational swimwear brands from across the globe. Modest swimwear is an untapped market beaming with creativity and diversity, and as modest fashion flourishes globally, niches like swimwear and activewear are thriving. First up is Modest Up: a swimwear brand founded by British-Pakistani Muslim entrepreneur Sumera Wagener in May 2019. Since then, her business has accumulated an impressive online presence, offering vibrant, patterned designs ideal for tropical…
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Acquire modesty internally first, advises this Jewish style blogger

Acquire modesty internally first, advises this Jewish style blogger

Zainab Husain
The Instagram feed of young faith-based fashion influencer Rebecca Wizman (@styledbyrebs) is filled with mirror selfies that feature the latest style trends put together with luxe, skin-covering layers. But modesty isn't just a sartorial statement for Rebecca, whose style is imbued with a sense of spiritualty, along with self-respect. Read about how her Orthodox Jewish background inspires the fashion blogger's aesthetic, and how the pandemic played a part in motivating her to expand her reach on social media and help others find a "roadmap" for modest fashion. Any guesses on her wardrobe staple? *Hint* — rhymes with "lazer". What attracts…
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13 stylish ways to wear lilac right now

13 stylish ways to wear lilac right now

Zainab Husain
Fashion enthusiasts not agree on everything, but we can all conclusively say that lilac was one of 2020's biggest colour trends. However with many of us social-distancing indoors due to lockdowns, the pretty purple palette didn't really reach its full sartorial potential. Fear not — lilac, lavender and light purple hues are still very much in style. Here's how the on-trend tones are being incorporated in 2021 modest wardrobes: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKjAfm3g1T4/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLfHltCr7vY/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLydDPTM40c/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CKoofhTndSk/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CJiWdQdhhLt/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLjdgu9J0aq/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CK_Q5SQjxY0/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CL4x-xRrqga/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLycT9UgLqS/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CKrI1K1jE5w/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLqodv8nN14/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLvMrFrAmOI/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLceqzNDbjJ/ Head to our style page for more modest fashion tips, techniques and outfit inspiration images. @itsbasra @zahraa_hberro and…
Style
16 ways to give your hoodie a sartorial edge

16 ways to give your hoodie a sartorial edge

Zainab Husain
We're in the thick of hoodie season, and the key to an effortless athleisure or streetwear look this winter is in laid-back layering. Whether it's a sleek, all-black look showcasing some leather and the rebellious pop of a hood, or a mono-toned ensemble in neutrals or pastels, giving a feminine touch to the sporty garment, hoodies are one of the most versatile staples of a modest wardrobe. The hint of a hoodie underneath a puffer jacket or trench coats is a trending style we're here for, but our favourite street style outfits are those that make the statement hoodie the…
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Meet Michal Goldfein: a Jewish fashion columnist & podcaster

Meet Michal Goldfein: a Jewish fashion columnist & podcaster

Zainab Husain
Michal Goldfein, a.k.a The Fashion Detour, is on a mission to keep modest fashion in the spotlight through various media channels that reach the Orthodox Jewish community — and beyond. Michal is the fashion columnist for the Jewish Press, and also has her own self-titled podcast, The Fashion Detour. Here, the trail-blazing mother of four describes tells us how modesty can be a form of self-respect, how shopping second-hand gives her a sartorial edge, and why there's one footwear trend she doesn't plan on trying, ever. What attracts you to the idea of dressing modestly? Any personal turning point in…
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Bahja Kadir on lipgloss, leathers and positive thinking

Bahja Kadir on lipgloss, leathers and positive thinking

Zainab Husain
Bahja Kadir (@bmullaa on Instagram) is an 18-year-old hijabi fashion influencer from London with a Somali background, and her Instagram feed stands out as an exciting combination of street style and class. In a special interview with Modestish, she tells us about her fashion and beauty favourites (spoliers: faux leather and lipgloss!), discusses her thoughts on the power of positive thinking, and tells us there is one empowering piece of cloth in her closet that she has no plans of parting with. How has shopping for modest fashion changed over the past decade, in your experience? For me, shopping for…
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13 pieces from Mango that we’ll be wearing this spring

13 pieces from Mango that we’ll be wearing this spring

Zainab Husain
Mango’s new Spring/summer 2021 collection offers plenty of stylish staples for a modest fashion wardrobe. The full-sleeve sweaters, romantic cardigans, and feminine blouses are perfect for layered looks that exude fashion-forward finesse. The collection also includes blazers, sweatshirts, and trench coats, all in a muted color palette that sets a fresh and laid-back tone for the new season. See our 15 favourites from the newly-launched range below: 1. Everyone needs a knitted cardigan in their wardrobe. Pair this pastel blue cardigan with mom jeans, a padded headband and pastel flats for a relaxing, yet put-together look. 2. Looking for versatile,…
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See the winning sketches from Persil’s abaya design competition

See the winning sketches from Persil’s abaya design competition

Zainab Husain
In November 2020, laundry detergent brand Persil launched a design competition for its Persil Abaya Shampoo, titled Abaytik Stylik (Your Abaya, Your Style), and earlier this month, it announced the winner: Richa Chouhan. While there were six winners who will be granted scholarships at the French Fashion Institute ESMOD Dubai, Richa was the grand prize winner, and will receive a scholarship for the school’s Modest Fashion & Abaya course. Richa is an Indian expat living in the UAE. She is an engineer by profession, and designing is her passion. She first found out about the competition through a friend, and says she had…
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Never Fully Dressed is a hit with the modest fashion crowd

Never Fully Dressed is a hit with the modest fashion crowd

Zainab Husain
It’s quite rare to come across a mainstream online fashion boutique that caters to modest clothing, but Never Fully Dressed is a brand that’s inclusive, ethical, and fun. It started with one store in 2009 in Essex, in the United Kingdom. Now, it's a booming international label with over 600,000 social media followers, and is stocked at major online retailers such as ASOS. With humble beginnings, the brand’s founder Lucy Alden started the clothing business from her parents’ attic and sold her designs at London markets. The homegrown business is now an immensely popular name in the online fashion world…
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