Latest news with #ModestFashionWeek
Vogue Arabia
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Modest Fashion Week Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi
Three days at a beachside resort in Abu Dhabi, celebrating covered-up fashion through runway shows and panel talks while networking and mingling with like-minded women: it's the dream girls' getaway for fans of modest fashion. Marking its 10th edition, Modest Fashion Week kicked off at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort on April 14, with an opening day packed with runway shows and a celebrity appearance by pioneering modest model, Halima Aden. Aden opened the show for Marina, a Turkish brand presenting full-coverage swimwear on the runway. Functional fabrics were brought to life with colour-blocking and design details such as drawstrings at the waists and ruching at the hems. The moment was a meaningful one for Aden, who in 2016, became the first contestant to wear a hijab and burkini while participating in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. She was also the first hijab-wearing model to star in a Sports Illustrated swimwear issue. 'Dedicated modest fashion weeks are essential because they create a space where our community isn't an afterthought – we're the main event, Aden shared in our recent report on the evolution of modest fashion. A grand, spot-lit runway was erected in the resort's Regal Ballroom, bordered by a room full of participating brands' booths, allowing them to showcase their collections to buyers and clients interested in closeup looks. Ayana Ife, who famously became the first hijab-wearing designer to compete in American television series, Project Runway, debuted her athletic line in Abu Dhabi with a cast of diverse models in sporty trainers. Panelled tracksuits were loose-fitting and models sauntered down the runway with a distinctive swagger, as if they were being transported from the ballroom to the basketball court. Ayana Active at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week. Photography by Rooful Ali Ayana Active at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week. Photography by Rooful Ali With more formal attire, Turkish label Miha's passion for Victorian-era fashion was made abundantly clear from the first look of its show. Tiered dresses, rainbow-hued ruffles and wallpaper flowers appeared in a palette of sorbet shades, paired with humble ballerina flats and raffia hats. Miha at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week Miha at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week This was followed by a showcase of all-white bridal gowns by Palestinian label Salaam, and then a comparatively casual presentation of crochet dresses from New York-based Arta Kallaba. The maxi dresses and skirt-and-shirt pairings featured kitschy rosettes; a colourful meeting point of granny chic and contemporary cool.
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
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.'
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week signals city's rise as a global style capital
17 Apr 2025 01:24 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week 2025 spotlighted the UAE's growing influence in the global modest fashion scene, blending culture, innovation and by Think Fashion and Red Events in partnership with Miral Destinations, the 10th edition of the global event, which concluded at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort on Wednesday, attracted over 30 designers from more than 15 countries and welcomed 1,500 attendees. Speaking to Aletihad , Taghrid Al Saeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Events at Miral, said: "This globally significant event reinforces our commitment to cultivating experiences that inspire, celebrate identity and bring diverse voices together. It positions Saadiyat Island as the ideal platform for meaningful cultural exchange through fashion, design and innovation." On Abu Dhabi's evolving role in world fashion, she said: "Hosting the 10th edition of Modest Fashion Week on Saadiyat Island signals Abu Dhabi's rising influence as a global fashion capital. It reflects the emirate's ambition to lead with purpose and showcase fashion as a form of cultural storytelling."Modest fashion reflects the values of elegance, heritage and self-expression that are deeply rooted in the UAE's identity."Highlighting the support shown to local creatives, Al Saeed noted: "It is an unparalleled opportunity to gain visibility, collaborate and network with key industry leaders. Saadiyat Island offers the perfect backdrop to elevate homegrown talent to global prominence."On the collaboration with Think Fashion, she said: "Both entities believe in the power of fashion as a cultural force, a sanctuary where tradition and innovation walk side by side."Al Saeed also noted the importance of the role of sustainability and technological trends in the industry."The event champions responsible fashion practices, aligning with Saadiyat Island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and promoting environmentally conscious development."This year's edition integrates technology, allowing us to engage with global audiences while ensuring the event stays dynamic, inclusive and future facing."The event also promotes the empowerment of women in the sector, as well as Abu Dhabi as a cultural centre."Modest Fashion Week is, at its core, a celebration of women – designers, creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders."Events like Modest Fashion Week reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a global cultural capital, where art, fashion, heritage and innovation converge."Abu Dhabi's fashion journey is just beginning, the city is poised to become a year-round destination for fashion that is elegant, ethical and deeply rooted in cultural dialogue," Al Saeed concluded. Aletihad spoke to several Emirati creatives supported by the Khalifa Fund at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week, who shared how culture, creativity, and community shape their work. Fidda Al Marzouqi, fashion designer, said: "It is a global platform that honours modesty, creativity and identity - values at the heart of our brand."Their initiatives have empowered emerging designers like myself to grow with confidence."She said her designs reflect Emirati heritage, but with a modern flair: "We honour traditional elements such as the abaya, bisht and embroidery motifs, but reinterpret them with a modern eye. Emirati elegance is subtle, graceful and powerful.""Modesty is not a limitation, it is a creative language. Our message is: wear your story with pride."Mariam Alqubaisi, another designer, expressed pride at participating in the show, and contributing to modest fashion trends."The modest look doesn't require a specific fabric, it is all about how you style it," she the Khalifa Fund, she said: "They gave us a chance to represent the UAE and Abu Dhabi in this field."Dr. Shammah Al Memari, who creates natural products inspired by Emirati traditions, showcased sustainable items like soap made from palm fibre and child-safe mosquito repellents."We revived the old Emirati soap using cleaned palm fibre," she said, crediting the Khalifa Fund for helping to connect her with featured was The Knot, Sawada Al Khaili, an expert of Al Talli and Al Sadu, who helps preserve traditional Emirati embroidery techniques."It is all handmade, no machines," she said. "Our grandmothers taught our mothers, and they taught us. Now we want to pass it on. "Lately, we see young girls proudly wearing it. That really makes us happy."
The National
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week 2025 highlights: From Halima Aden on the catwalk to butterfly wing gowns
Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week, held at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort from Monday, wraps up today. Marking the 10th year of the event, the three-day celebration has brought together a vibrant mix of runway shows, talks, panel discussions and brand booths. With 30 fashion shows, 50 brand showcases and six curated talks, the event highlighted both home-grown talent from the UAE and international labels from Turkey, Nigeria, Palestine, Australia and beyond, bringing a global lens to contemporary modest wear. Here, we spotlight some of the most memorable moments from the runway. Model Halima Aden, widely regarded as a trailblazer for modest fashion on the runway, opened the show for Turkish swimwear brand Marina wearing a teal top, brown leggings and a matching skirt layered under a sheer, patterned cover-up. Aden shares a longstanding connection with Marina, having collaborated on a collection in 2024 and previously opened the brand's show at Modest Fashion Week in Istanbul that same year. Homegrown label Bespoke Atelier unveiled its latest collection at the event, supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which champions UAE entrepreneurs and start-ups. With both a stand and a runway show, the brand showcased its signature flair for bold, joyful colour. Highlights included dresses in primrose yellow, flame orange and mustard, plus an olive green kick-flare skirt paired with a matching bolero jacket, a pleated amethyst gown, as well as a sequinned look in navy teal. The standout piece? A long-sleeved puffball gown in radiant, glowing marigold. Another UAE name, Soleil, offered a contrasting aesthetic, presenting a chic palette of neutrals – think nudes, creams and muted greens. Standout pieces included a dress in pale putty, detailed with caped sleeves and a delicately embellished peplum, as well as an elegant grey dress featuring slashed sleeves and soft beading dusted around the armholes. Floor-length silhouettes were either cinched with simple drawstring waists or elevated with wisps of ostrich feather, capturing an effortless mood. Hailing from Abuja, Nigeria, Afrik Abaya delivered a confident showing, combining vibrant adire and ankara fabrics with abayas. The inky black of the abayas served as the perfect foil for the vivid wax prints, which appeared as statement sleeves, bold neckline detailing and towering headwraps. The collection was set up with a striking runway performance – two women dressed in all white, spinning and turning, their extra long sleeves tracing dramatic arcs through the air. The National Fashion Clothing and Lifestyle of Iran displayed a diverse collection of designers from across the country. Among the highlights were an off-the-shoulder, beaded column dress in soft grey, paired with a cape of pink roses; trouser suits in glossy black satin adorned with Rococo gold patterns tracing the torso and flowing down the body; and a striking cape decorated with white applique on black. The most spectacular piece, however, was a full-skirted gown designed to resemble butterfly wings, which was truly a sight to behold as it swept down the runway.
Web Release
15-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development participates in Abu Dhabi's first ‘Modest Fashion Week'
By Editor_wr On Apr 15, 2025 The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is participating in the 'Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week – ADMFW 2025', which is being held from April 14 to 16, 2025, for the first time in Abu Dhabi at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The prestigious event is conducted under the theme 'Celebrate Modesty, Celebrate Diversity, Celebrate Yourself.' Six exceptional projects supported by the Khalifa Fund are showcasing their work at the event, each presenting an innovative perspective on modest fashion that reflects elegance while adhering to cultural and traditional values. The 'Cabochon Ladies Fashions' seamlessly combines contemporary design with traditional elements by using luxurious fabrics and meticulous craftsmanship. The 'Soliel for Trading' provides a collection of abayas and dresses that blend timeless design with a modern touch, appealing to a wide range of audience. Meanwhile, 'Bespoke Atelier Ladies Tailoring' redefines conventional garments such as mukhawars and jalabiyas with modern designs, highlighting the brand's commitment to empowering women. The lineup also includes 'Cat Eye Beauty,' offering comprehensive beauty services and innovative body slimming solutions and 'Deheyah Cosmetics & Trading' a luxury natural skincare brand inspired by Emirati heritage, utilising sustainable ingredients such as palm fibre loofah soap and natural mosquito repellent. In the creative arts section, 'Hajar Alblooshi Fine Arts & Trading' is presenting a unique blend of tradition and modernity, offering porcelain painting classes and creating bespoke tableware pieces that tell cultural stories with exceptional craftsmanship. These projects exemplify the fusion of authenticity and innovation, showcasing Emirati creativity through a distinct message that intertwines heritage with progress. Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: 'Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week provides a dynamic platform to reaffirm our unwavering support for the fashion industry. Promoting local brands aligns with the ambitions of the 'Falcon Economy,' which aims to drive sustainability, human capital development and economic growth by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The UAE's steadfast dedication to this sector is evident through investments in both local and global brands as well as through events that foster innovation. This signifies our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in this field, helping local brands to grow as global players, both within the UAE and beyond.' As a prominent international event, Modest Fashion Week aims to highlight the growing global impact of modest fashion, featuring a group of creative designers and influential figures. It features over 30 fashion shows, highlighting 30 globally celebrated designers and welcomes more than 1,500 fashion professionals from over 30 countries across five continents. Besides showcasing luxury fashion, Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week offers a comprehensive experience that captures the evolution of modest fashion within the global industry. This offers a valuable opportunity for numerous entrepreneurs and projects supported by the Khalifa Fund to engage with industry leaders, expand their networks and explore new growth avenues over the course of three days. 'Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week' is being held in Saadiyat Island, a fitting venue for events celebrating modest fashion's values: elegance, authenticity, and innovation. Abu Dhabi's global appeal and vision continue to draw investors, designers, and entrepreneurs to its growing modest and luxury fashion scene. Prev Post Genetec Announces empower360 Roadshow in United Arab Emirates Comments are closed.
