Paris has held its first ever Modest Fashion Week, hosting nearly 30 designers whose collections include loose, long-cut garments and headscarves. It's the kind of clothing many Muslim women choose to wear in line with their religious principles - covering their arms, legs, and sometimes hair.
Set against the backdrop of France, where discussions around hijabs and religious clothing have often sparked controversy, the event aimed to reclaim and redefine modest fashion. Rukaiya Kamba, creative director of Nigerian brand Flaunt Archive, explained that her decision to present in Paris was deliberate, reflecting a diverse and inclusive culture on display.
In the luxurious setting of Hôtel Le Marois, designers like Hicran Önal from Turkey presented romantic floral dresses, emphasizing nature-inspired hues. Eco-conscious designs were on display, featuring brands from Indonesia and Australia, incorporating both vibrant colors and contemporary silhouettes. Asiyam added a playful nod to Australian culture with bucket hats, showcasing a blend of inspirations.
French brands like Soutoura and Nour Turbans were also prominent, embracing bold streetwear aesthetics influenced by Gen Z and sportswear trends. The combination of berets and headscarves emerged as a standout statement, adding a Parisian flair to modest fashion.
Notably, the modest fashion market is rapidly growing, with global spending projected to exceed $400 billion, appealing not only to Muslim women but to various groups seeking stylish and respectful clothing options. Amid ongoing legal restrictions on religious attire in France, designers expressed pride in showcasing their work, asserting that modest fashion conveys empowerment and freedom of expression.
With the event, many attendees shared feelings of joy and pride, recognizing Modest Fashion Week as a positive step towards inclusion and acceptance in French society, redefining what it means to wear a headscarf or modest attire.
