Modest fashion — be it ethnic, traditional and cultural, or contemporary-cool, is the forte of Heba Qadeer (@Hebaqr on Instagram), a Pakistani fashion enthusiast who was born and raised in the UAE. “I work in digital marketing for a clothing brand and as the title clearly mentions, a lot of my time is spent online,” Heba tells us. “This gives me lots of exposure to lots of different aesthetics and styles which in turn inspires my personal style! You can find me in super sleek formals during the day, going street chic in the evening and comfy as a fluff-ball for the nights-in.”
The fashion blogger’s style journey has evolved tremendously over the past few years — she previously wore a headscarf, before deciding that she could still embody and evoke modesty through fashion without covering her hair. “You can’t describe modest fashion in one way. Just as every human has a different personality that reflects in their sense of style, so does modest fashion. It’s easily misunderstood due to the religious aspect of ‘modesty'”, says Heba.
“We need to normalize our difference in appearances — anyone can wear or rock any look they wish to,” continues Heba, who acknowledges that modest fashion bloggers often face heat from the “Haram police” who leave negative comments and spark arguments in the comment sections of posts that they feel don’t conform to certain standards of ‘modesty.’ Heba’s advice is to refrain from indulging these Internet trolls. “People will always have something to say whether you do good or bad. Hence, ignorance is definitely bliss,” she explains.
The Dubai blogger believes that sometimes, social media users can put fashion bloggers on pedestals with unfair expectations from them. “My preference with modest fashion is my choice, but having a public profile with a growing and evolving sense of style can be challenging,” she explains. “People tend to build an idea of who you are whereas they only know the online version of you. I may not wear the headscarf anymore but I still prefer dressing modestly. That is my choice, it may not be the best one religiously speaking but its mine — and in no way does it imply for another to act the same as me or belittle one for it.”
If she could give advice to younger fashion enthusiasts who are perhaps following in the same digital steps as once took, Heba says she would tell them not to worry or stress about what people say. “Do only what makes you happy, keep your family close, understand your religion better and allow yourself to take on more challenges,” are her words of wisdom to her followers.
Heba believes that the Covid-19 pandemic has also had an effect on her sartorial choices and priorities when building outfits. “Key word: comfort,” she says. “There was a time where I’d gotten super comfortable with being uncomfortable. I never realized how uncomfortable it was until I spent 6 months in sweatpants with no make up on (hey, Drake!) and it changed my priorities in styling. It’s comfort first now, always.” For the upcoming spring/summer season, comfort will continue to dictate Heba’s wardrobe and styling choices. “I have always loved any good, oversized, flowy piece of clothing,” she says. “Oversized shirts, floaty maxi dresses and wide legged pants will be my go-to.”
Follow Heba on Instagram here, and spot her in our Eid campaign, where she wears beautiful dresses and kaftans by Zayan The Label and statement jewels from Sauce.
