The modest fashion industry has seen massive growth in recent years, resulting in fashion weeks revolving exclusively around modest fashion, such as Dubai Modest Fashion Week which includes 34 designers from around the world. The Oriental Hybrid team was able to hold a Q&A with a variety of different modest fashion designers, from Italian swimwear to Palestinian bridal wear; we have discussed their inspirations, sustainability, and the future of modest fashion.
We have spoken to global modest fashion designers about their experiences, inspiration, and the challenges they face with modest fashion.
Where do you draw inspiration from when designing for Hijabis living in tropical climates?
Heaven Lights, Indonesia: As a modest fashion brand living in a tropical country, we believe that the right fabric choice is vital in creating a collection. Our aim is to meet our customer’s needs and make them feel stylish yet comfortable. Our designs are inspired by Indonesian culture which is paired with selected material based on extensive research, resulting in the unique identity of Heaven Lights.
Heaven Lights accentuates Indonesian nature elements to our latest collection. For example, one of the special patterns in this Dubai Modest Fashion Week collection drew inspiration from native Indonesian Magnolia Champaca (Bunga Jeumpa).
How has the experience been with designing avant-garde modest fashion?
Homolog Paris, France: The restrained and Introverted fashion style also represents noble and luxury. Homolog itself is a collection of similar items. The modest fashion made me think about this type of merging of similar items; self-discipline, exquisiteness, stability, introverted, reserved, combined together to create such modest beauty. This process of deep thinking about modest fashion itself is a very magical experience.
What inspired you to launch your brand?
Demure Duchess, UK: When I was a teenager, I started thinking about what I was wearing and comparing it to what I really wanted to wear. However, I could not get anyone to understand and execute my designs. Therefore, I took matters into my own hands and one day decided to make an outfit for myself. I did not know how any of it worked but I was determined to make it work. I launched Demure Duchess with the desire to design clothes for women who think like me. My designs are simple yet elegant which makes a statement of classiness. I strive to keep my brand hijab friendly. I want women to think of Demure Duchess when they are looking for an outfit that will answer all their desires and needs. My design aesthetic is less is more.
Can you describe your inspiration behind the Phoenicorn collection?
Zeina Ali, Jordan: Zeina Ali’s collection implements the phases of life from success after failure, fighting after loss, and finally becoming an inspiration. My inspiration for this collection is divided into two sections: Unicorns and Phoenixes. I used to view my late father as a Phoenix, however, I believe that the Phoenix symbolises me as I have been reborn through the process of self-healing and finding my inner strength. My Phoenix muse is the 3-time cancer survivor and goodwill ambassador, the warrior Yasmeen Yousri, who rose from the ashes stronger than ever. My beautiful joyful mother is the unicorn in my life. My unicorn muse is the beautiful inside out Ines Sebiane, a talented producer and digital director who, with her positive outlook on life has become a great influence. My collection expresses unity of the glorious mythical creatures, the unicorn and the Phoenix. Through my collection, I hope to inspire women to find their inner strength.
I have one message to send through my collection: “be a phoenix to yourself so you can be a unicorn to others.”
How would you describe your debut collection?
Israel Kasnett, USA: I, Israel Kasnett, would describe my debut capsule collection as an expression of the desire to highlight elegance, modesty, and luxury. The Blend of high-quality fabrics such as Italian cashmere, Italian silk, and Giza 45 Egyptian cotton with high-quality construction results in a high-quality product made in New York City, USA. The color palette for the collection includes navy and midnight blue enhanced with gold accents. The bold mix of color signifies elegance, modesty, and luxury. Women wearing any of the collection’s unique pieces will indeed look and feel transcendent.
What does your collection represent?
Thread Palette London, UK: Our collection for this season is titled EXPRESSION because it reflects the very soul of Thread Palette London – bringing together our community of artists and providing a platform to express their creativity through various artistic mediums and techniques.
Can you describe your collection?
Bahae Fashion, Morocco: Our ”JAWAHER” collection of luxury Kaftans and Abayas is completely handmade and embroidered with genuine crystals and stones. We, at Bahae Fashion, hope to give our customers a unique experience through our one-of-a-kind pieces.
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