As modest fashion has gained increasing attention from both global fashion houses and regular customers, it has recently become a catchphrase beyond religious beliefs. Modest fashion has been curating diverse pieces that can be appreciated by those who love to share modest fashion trends. Major fashion houses are either drawing inspiration from real-life options or creating modest fashion, as shown in Dolce & Gabbana’s new line of hijabs and luxury abayas and Atelier Versace’s SS14 collection, which has draped hoods.
What Exactly Is Modest Fashion?
The phrase “to dress modestly” is often taken literally by Western society. They give Adele’s emerald green Givenchy red carpet gown from the 2017 Grammy Awards as an example, adding sleeves and a higher neckline. In sharp contrast to Bella Hadid’s more daring approach to her attire, Kate Middleton is their symbol of modest fashion, known for her immaculate yet understated style. From the perspective of a Muslim woman, modest clothing is closely related to my religion, Islam. We associate “modest fashion” with hijabs, loose-fitting garments, and traditional attire like abayas and so forth.
In 2017, that’s when things began to change. With the rise of social media and the proliferation of the internet, faith, culture, and fashion haven’t been mutually exclusive. Most individuals nowadays draw fashion inspiration from what they see online and, in some cases, can ‘culturally appropriate’ a culture without truly knowing its original meaning to that person. The internet has begun to empower independent modest fashion wearers and designers to become creative with their looks, ignoring societal expectations and bringing more colour and life to these fabulous looks.
These designers can create hijabi influencers and allow the spotlight to finally shine on stunning hijabi models, resulting in increased public awareness and more options for the average Muslim girl, which really does hit home. Here are some of the most influential modest fashion designers who have both stood out to me and really made their mark within the industry.
Dian Pelangi
Dian Pelangi was founded with the goal of increasing the appeal of Muslim and traditional Indonesian attire. Their designs are vibrant and combine contemporary silhouettes with age-old methods like beading and batik. Each piece is painstakingly crafted by hand, using carefully dyed and woven textiles to produce one-of-a-kind pieces that revolutionise modest fashion. Traditional batik designs have been reimagined as geometric designs with unusual colour schemes that you wouldn’t have connected to their traditional forerunner. Ladies from other countries, don’t worry—you may browse their made-to-order assortment online as well!
Nurita Harith
Nurita Harith, a Malaysian designer with a fine arts degree, has always been passionate about beautiful things and design. Without exposing any skin, her designs have delicate layers and drapes that produce an ultrafeminine profile. Nurita gives her designs an additional feminine touch by combining lace and elaborate embroidery to highlight hems and necklines. She usually chooses more subdued and elegant colour schemes that look good on all skin tones and are ideal for well-dressed women. Her more intricate designs are especially well-liked by brides and bridesmaids, who are swooning over the intricate beaded hems and lace.
Rico Rinaldi
Rico Rinaldi has a really outstanding repertoire. This award-winning Kuala Lumpur designer creates captivating imagery and intriguing designs for contemporary ladies by masterfully fusing haute couture with modest fashion. Rico offers ready-to-wear clothing, bridal gowns, and couture designs, so there’s something for everyone. While his runway pieces are more innovative and not entirely “modest,” his ready-to-wear items are both distinctive and wearable at the same time—a winning combination, in our opinion—and he employs colours in a vivid, almost graphic way. His bridal line is particularly stunning and enchanting. Whether or not you dress modestly, they would make ANY bride feel like a princess.
Anniesa Hasibaun
Anniesa Hasibuan is the first person who springs to mind when considering modest fashion designers who are setting the standard. Due to her spectacular runway presentations at New York Couture Fashion Week, this designer, who was born in Jakarta, has gained international recognition. Her creations are completely delightful to look at and unlike anything you have ever seen. Using feathers, sequins, pearls, and Swarovski along with a metallic colour scheme, her creations are centred around drama and glitz. The adjective “regal” would be the best way to characterise her works. In addition to Muslim couture clothing, Anniesa also has an equally striking ready-to-wear line that is available at Debenhams, Zalora, and other stores.
Diana Kotb
Diana Kotb hails from the land down under, and before becoming a very successful modest designer, she had a 10-year career in the fashion industry working for an Australian designer and working for Marie Claire Australia for 4 years. While she loved the exposure to women’s luxury fashion, she noticed the difference; beginning as a Muslim woman herself, it was difficult for her to dress in luxury but modestly, as no designers had thought of merging the two.
This was a blessing in disguise, as, without the lack of modest luxury, Diana may have never indulged and branched off to create her own modest fashion brand. Her pieces focus on quality, clean finishes, and outstanding construction of garments. Her designs scream luxe sophistication and can be worn by any woman, whether they are Muslim or not.
Final Thoughts
The emerging popularity of modest fashion and the gap in the market have encouraged other high fashion brands, such as Valentino, Balenciaga, and many others, to curate modest, appropriate luxury pieces, and it is truly refreshing to see it.