News

8 Twitter reactions to Halima’s hijab confessions

modestish

On November 24, 2020, Somali, hijab-wearing model Halima Aden revealed some of the regrets she had regarding her past modeling jobs. In a series of photos on Instagram Stories, she reposted images from past shoots and runways, stating that somewhere along the line, she stopped representing "true" hijab and began conforming to the expectations of the mainstream fashion industry. “If I continued down this path, I would’ve definitely lost my hijab completely,” she wrote, concluding that she was "bowing out gracefully" from the mainstream modeling scene. Muslim women across the globe took to Twitter to reveal their reactions to Halima's…

Newsfashion, Halima Aden hijab, hijabi model, runway model

PrettyLittleThing hires its first Black, Hijabi model

Ayesha Rahman

PrettyLittleThing has introduced its first Black, hijabi, Muslim model to represent its new modest fashion line. The response on Twitter has been overwhelmingly positive, with users reposting the snapshots shared by model Billy Marsal. The UK-headquartered fast-fashion retailer loved for its affordable styles straight from catwalks and celebrity muses, launched its first modest fashion line last month, signifying a major step towards its commitment to inclusivity. Earlier this year, the brand also launched a dedicated website for its customers in the Middle East. London-based, 21-year-old Billy is reportedly the first plus sized hijabi model to represent the brand, and she…

NewsBilly Marsal, Black women, fashion, hijab, hijabi model, modest fashion, muslim women, prettylittlething

Coach SS21 celebrates laid-back-luxe layering

modestish

Since Stuart Vevers' takeover in 2013, Coach has re-emerged as an iconic American label for trend-conscious women who value practicality and a punch of personality. The brand's Spring 2021 campaign, titled "Coach Forever" presents a mixture of new, vintage and archival designs, and the nostalgic vibe is apparent throughout the collection, where light layering takes center stage. The creative director's vision of "practical optimism" was the guiding inspiration of the range, and these beautifully-crafted and expertly-styled designs embody creativity and idealism, symbolising a refreshing spring season when hopefully, global outlooks will have improved. Patterned dresses are paired with graphic T-shirts,…

News, StyleCoach Forever, fashion, modest fashion, NYFW, Spring 2021, style

Muslim Twitter reacts to Primark’s latest “modest” range

modestish

Last week, British fast fashion retailer Primark announced the release of its latest "modest" collection on Twitter. Nafisa Bakkar, CEO of Muslim women's lifestyle website Amaliah.com and contributor to the It's Not About the Burqa anthology, was quick to question the brand's choice of wording: https://twitter.com/NafisaBakkar/status/1310689997247438849 Many fellow Muslim women on Twitter agreed with Nafisa's sentiments. One pointed out that the fall fashion is already modest: https://twitter.com/Yung_Kahlo/status/1310693460857552896 Another raised the point that using the label "modest" may be counterproductive to making the fashion industry more inclusive: https://twitter.com/lil_pomegranate/status/1310849416291643392 Yousra Imran, author of forthcoming novel, Hijab and Red Lipstick, stated that the…

News, Opinionmodest fashion, muslim women, Primark

“Can’t Ban Us” — Haute Hijab launches athletic headscarves

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"Can't Ban Us." That's the powerful statement accompanying the launch collection of Haute Hijab's athletic headscarves, a highly-anticipated collection that Melanie Elturk, the CEO of the leading US hijab company, has been working on for more than a year. Dubbed Haute Hijab Sport, the collection launched online this week — and while the variety of colours and styles of sports hijabs is newsworthy in itself, Haute Hijab aligned the new release with an important campaign: "Can't Ban Us is a movement born out of necessity; Muslim athletes have been – and still are – banned from playing sports in hijab. We're…

Brands, Newsathletic hijabs, Haute Hijab, hijab, hijab ban, modest fashion, muslim women, sports hijabs

Runway report: Simone Rocha at London Fashion Week

modestish

From the lens of a modest fashion writer, Victoriana meets contemporary Turkish street style, wrapped up with a dose of tasteful extravagance, in Simone Rocha's spring/summer 2021 collection. The Irish fashion designer is known for extravagant femininity with deconstructed tailoring, and her spring/summer 2021 collection is a fantastic showcase of this unique aesthetic. The designer presented her collection at a socially-distanced showcase at London's Hauser & Wirth Gallery yesterday, giving fashion critics a taste of fairytale escapism, hardened by a glorious punkish touch. https://www.instagram.com/p/CFVCxLQDKOx/ If Marie Antoinette was a rebellious teen in the 21st century, this, perhaps, is how she…

News, StyleLFW, London fashion week, modest fashion, Simone Rocha

London modest wear brand Sabirah launches fashion face masks

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British stylist and fashion designer Deborah Latouche launched her luxury modest wear line Sabirah earlier this year at London Fashion Week, and as a response to the pandemic, has just released a collection of 5 fashion face masks. The limited-edition designs have been sustainably made, created from repurposed fabric from Latouche's first collection. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9R2m_8gIam/ The finishing touch for any glamorous evening wear outfit, these reusable face masks feature lurex and neoprene fabrics, and are fitted with fabric-covered, elasticated straps, ensuring optimal comfort. They're categorised as fashion face masks, as they are not medically certified and don't offer guaranteed protection against…

NewsDeborah Latouch, face masks, London fashion, modest fashion, Sabirah

Cynthia Rowley’s new swim designs are dreamy and delightfully modest

modestish

The search for modest swimwear is a consistent struggle. Sure, there are some long-sleeved swimsuits in stores these days, but chances are, they're high-legged, and cover just half of your bum. Those one-pieces that are fitted with boy-short bottoms on the other hand, often feature plunging necklines. And yes, there are plenty of burkinis on the market. But for the most part, they're plain, black, drab and more sporty than fun and feminine. On the whole, it's quite rare to find modest swimwear that's a middle ground. American fashion label Cynthia Rowley however, has released surf-inspired swimwear designs that are sure…

News, Styleburkini, Cynthia Rowley, modest fashion, modest swimwear, swimwear, wetsuits

Black, hijabi model Leah Vernon stars in Torrid storefront window ads

modestish

“As a fat, Black Muslim who definitely doesn’t wear pastels and may or may not cuss like someone’s disgruntled uncle, I am overlooked. My voice unheard," writes Leah Vernon in her autobiography, Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim. The Detroit-born, NYC-based model's voice is now being heard. Her plight to increase the visibility of underrepresented demographics —those of Black, Muslim and plus-sized women— is reaping success in North America, where photos of Vernon are plastered across the storefront windows of Torrid. The American retail brand, which was formerly owned by Hot Topic, specialises in stylish, plus-size clothing, and recruited…

NewsBlack model, Leah Vernon, modest fashion, plus size fashion, Torrid

Zidouri’s new collection is a colourful celebration of culture, identity & diversity

modestish

Author Shelina Janmohamed uses the term "Generation M" to refer to the Muslim millennials injecting their faith into their businesses, resulting in entrepreneurial concepts with mainstream appeal — and there's no better example of a Generation M fashion label than Zidouri. The UK-based streetwear brand celebrates elements of Islamic culture, infusing its on-trend designs with Arabic calligraphy, for consumers seeking to wear symbols of their heritage and religion with pride. The brand's latest collection paints a bold and stylish picture of diversity, featuring roomy, over-sized hoodies spectacular hues like lilac, periwinkle, teal, tangerine and dusty rose. Shot on a group…

Brands, Newshoodies, modest fashion, Muslim brand, streetwear, Zidouri

Tommy Hilfiger launches its first hijab

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A grey scarf with metallic undertones, punctuated with the label's TH initials in a tumbling black pattern, is making headlines as Tommy Hilfiger's first-ever hijab. It may seem like an unexpected move from the American label, which is perhaps most known for its denims and sportswear, but it isn't the brand's first run-in with modest fashion. In 2015, Tommy Hilfiger launched its first Ramadan capsule collection for women in the Middle East, featuring a range of pleated skirts, silk maxi dresses and elegant blouses in jewel tones. The brand also recently created a custom burkini for Halima Aden, who graces…

NewsHalima Aden, modest fashion, Tommy Hilfiger

“Smash your fitness goals without compromising your beliefs” with new modest brand Patience Wear

Nafeesa Zaman

London-based Patience Wear is bringing a new and refreshing perspective to modest activewear. Its first collection launched last month, and includes athletic tops and bottoms that prioritize style and practicality. Patience Wear is tearing down the narrative that women cannot be modest in the gym. This mindset is channeled through their brand motto: “smash your fitness goals, without compromising your beliefs”. For women who practice modesty, purchasing gym wear can be a tricky process. Activewear is often created from a blend of lycra and spandex which gives a skin-tight look. The brand's gorgeous midnight black and royal blue colorways have…

Brands, Newsactivewear, fitness fashion, modest activewear, modest fashion

“I wear a two-layer niqab when I want to look really marvelous”: how fashion influences face veils

Anna Piela

The niqab – the Islamic face veil – has become a high-profile garment during the pandemic, given its superficial similarity to a medical mask. It has recently taken center stage again due to masks becoming mandatory in public in the UK two years after Boris Johnson’s offensive remarks regarding niqab wearers. Political commentary dominates the public discussion, while little is being said about what makes a good, comfortable, and beautiful niqab. Do the fabric quality and weave matter? What about the fastening? And the layers? These questions may be particularly important to women who are considering wearing the niqab for…

Newshijab, modest fashion, muslim women, niqab, niqab fashion

Get your modest fashion fix through your phone with this new app

Amenah Alkhazraji

There is no denying the fact modest fashion is taking the fashion world by storm. From Ramadan collections by Tommy Hilfiger to Dolce and Gabbana’s abayas, modesty is more than just the season’s IT trend – it’s a multi-billion-dollar market. But while the attention from Western and global fashion houses and designers is a great move towards an increasingly diverse industry, more light and attention needs to be shed on the local modest fashion stores, which have been serving modest fashion for years. With headquarters in Saudi Arabia, Leem for instance, is a brand aimed at Arabian women who enjoy…

Newsfashion, fashion app, Leem, modest fashion, Saudi Arabia

Shopbop launches “The Modest Shop” – a curated edit of modesty-friendly fashions

modestish

When The Modist announced its closure in April 2020, the fashion world had one question: who will fill the gaping hole it left in the luxury fashion market? The Modist, headquartered in Dubai but catering to women across the globe, made headlines everywhere when it launched in 2017 as the world's first prestigious, luxury modest wear platform offering worldwide delivery. It stocked brands like Burberry and Marni, and gained wide acclaim as the high-end designer destination for modest wear. But, by April 2020, The Modist had lost its funding and was forced to close, just as the coronavirus pandemic was…

News, Styleblazers, fashion news, modest fashion, online fashion, shop online, Shopbop

What to expect from H&M’s collaboration with Arab designer Sandra Mansour

Amenah Alkhazraji

From Moschino to Karl Lagerfeld, H&M is known for its annual collaborations with fashion’s most well-known designers. That being said, never has the brand joined forces with an Arabian designer — until this year. Last week, the retailer announced its collaboration with Lebanese designer Sandra Mansour, making this year’s partnership one to remember, especially for Arabs.  The collection, titled 'Fleur Du Soleil', is inspired by nature and elements — more specifically, sunflowers. The reason for that lies behind the flower's symbolism and connotation. "With the Fleur du Soleil collection, I want to talk to women around the world by sending…

NewsArab designer, fashion, fashion news, H&M, modest fashion, news, Sandra Mansour, style

Taqwa Bint Ali becomes Jean Paul Gaultier’s first hijabi model

modestish

While brands across the globe like Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Benefit Cosmetics and more, have released campaigns with hijabi models over the past few months, Taqwa Bint Ali, who stars in Jean Paul Gaultier's latest campaign, is no mere model. She co-founded Zarafet Galleries, one of the first modest fashion platforms in France, and works with Akagi Glub, which offers women who cover a safe space to practice sports. The 22-year-old Tunisian-French entrepreneur was born in Paris, played basketball for many years, and has been working tirelessly to help highlight Muslim creatives in fashion, art and sport in France, a…

Muses, NewsAkagi Club, hijab, Jean Paul Gaultier, modest fashion, Taqwa Bint Ali, Zarafet Galleries

Covered in Confidence launches print magazine

modestish

Those in the industry often lament that print journalism is a dying media. Blogs and online magazines have superseded the demand for physical magazines and newspapers, which are laying off staff due to budget cuts and even completely closing as demand for tangible journalism dwindles. Amid the pandemic, and this global print journalism crisis, a new fashion magazine has emerged, dedicated to modest fashion - a global, multi-billion-dollar industry where there's clear demand for innovation and entrepreneurship - even in the realm of print publications. Titled Covered in Confidence, the magazine is the brainchild of Kaniz Jaffer, the entrepreneur behind…

Newsfashion magazine, hijab, hijab fashion, modest fashion

PrettyLittleThing opens dedicated Middle East website

modestish

PrettyLittleThing is a fast fashion e-commerce platform known for its in-demand ribbed crop tops, distressed denim shorts, lace bralettes and bodycon mini dresses. These styles may be trending, but they offer minimal coverage, and are of little use for consumers of modest fashion. So, it may first sound perplexing that PrettyLittleThing has just launched PrettyLittleThing.me - a dedicated website for its shoppers in the Middle East, where modest fashion is the norm, and even ingrained in some national dress codes. But, a hallmark of the modest fashion movement is in the creativity and out-of-the-box styling utilized by women who embrace…

Brands, Newsdubai, fashion, fashion bloggers, fast fashion, high street, hijab, modest fashion, prettylittlething, Seima Rahman, shopping, style, trends

Haute Hijab sends out a powerful message on July 4

modestish

Haute Hijab is a leading headscarves brand based in the United States, catering to a global market, and its founder, Melanie Elturk, is a pioneering face of the modest fashion movement. https://www.instagram.com/p/CBjONFqDYA7/ It's tough to break out as a modest wear brand in a competitive, and saturated market, but when Melanie launched Haute Hijab in 2010, not only was she was not only one of the first to spearhead a mainstream movement in normalising modest fashion, but she also saw a wider opportunity with he business: to create and celebrate a community of women who had long been underserved by…

NewsAmerica, American Muslim, Black Lives Matter, Black Muslims, BLM, Haute Hijab, hijab, hijab fashion, Melanie Elturk, politics, USA