Indian fashionista in Oman upholds modest fashion
Muscat – Omani model, influencer and 'Mrs India Empress of the Nation 2018' Piya Pawani once again turned heads and hearts as she represented Oman at the 10th edition of Modest Fashion Week, held from April 14–16 at the luxurious St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.
A long-time fashion enthusiast and a familiar face on the global modest fashion circuit, this marked her third consecutive appearance at the prestigious event.
Themed 'Celebrate – Modesty, Diversity, and Yourself', this year's edition brought together designers, models, and thought-leaders from over 15 countries, showcasing the diversity and creative richness of modest fashion. Representing Oman amidst such international talent was a moment of pride and purpose for Piya.
'For the third consecutive year, I was proud to be a part of this global movement that brings modest fashion to the forefront with powerful narratives and diverse cultural expression,' Piya said. 'This year was extra special because I felt like I was representing every participant and their story. Their creativity inspired me deeply, and celebrating that was a celebration of myself too.'
Wearing a graceful ensemble in pink and green hues by Turkey's Miha Official, adorned with intricate embroidery, Piya radiated both elegance and meaning. 'Modest fashion is a subtle rebellion with a powerful impact that commands respect rather than demands it,' she said. 'I truly believe confidence doesn't come from what you show, but how you carry yourself. Dressing modestly taught me that true confidence radiates from within.'
Among the international fashion labels featured this year were Miha Official, Imannoor (Turkey), Ashaalia (Australia), Afrik Abaya (Nigeria), Leem (Saudi Arabia), Les Atelier (Netherlands), Lanuuk (UK), Jellabiya (USA), and Humble Power (UAE). The runway echoed with cultural voices woven into each fabric and silhouette—an empowering reminder of identity and individuality.
For Piya, the event wasn't just about walking the runway. It was about building bridges – between cultures, between tradition and modernity, and between fashion and empowerment.
'As an Indian woman raised amidst the timeless elegance of the 9-yard saree, and having lived in Oman – a country with deep-rooted fashion and cultural heritage – I've come to realise that modesty isn't just a fashion choice. It's a legacy. A legacy of grace, strength, and understated beauty,' she reflected.
Her participation in Modest Fashion Week goes hand-in-hand with her long-term objectives for Oman's fashion industry. Piya has outlined a vision that combines cultural pride with innovation. 'I want to promote modest and culturally rooted fashion that reflects Oman's heritage while blending it with contemporary elegance,' she said.
In her ongoing mission, she also aims to empower young Omani talent -mentoring aspiring models, designers, and creatives, particularly women, to express themselves confidently through fashion. 'Fashion is a form of expression. Especially modest fashion – it isn't about hiding, but about owning who you are. That's what I want the young generation to embrace.'
Her goals extend to supporting sustainable and ethical fashion. 'Beauty and responsibility must go hand-in-hand. Respecting people, culture, and society is as essential as the designs themselves,' she explained.
As Oman continues to find its voice on the global fashion stage, Piya stands as a powerful ambassador for change, bridging the traditional with the modern. Her consistent presence at Modest Fashion Week and similar platforms is not just a personal milestone – it is a statement of how far Omani fashion and modest fashion, in general, have come.
'Modesty has redefined what it means to be powerful, feminine, and unapologetically myself,' Piya concluded. 'It's not about hiding – it's about embracing your identity with grace. And I'm honoured to keep growing with this global movement each year.'
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