The Modest Now x Muslimi Show: A Groundbreaking Debut at New York Fashion Week Redefines Inclusivity in High Fashion
Beneath the vibrant yet frenetic energy of New York Fashion Week, a unique tapestry of cultural and religious expression unfolded. Backstage, the visual harmony was striking: kufis, hijabs, and abayas mingled seamlessly with contemporary slacks and blouses. The air buzzed with a blend of familiar greetings, from the casual "hey girl hey" to the warm "salaam, how have you been?" This was the scene just one hour before the Modest Now x Muslimi show, a historic event marking the first dedicated modest fashion presentation at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on February 14th. Spearheaded by Muslimi, a foundation committed to supporting and empowering Muslim communities across the United States, this groundbreaking showcase aimed to amplify the voices and talents of Muslim designers, offering them a vital platform for self-expression within a fashion landscape that has historically been slow to embrace diversity. The show represented a significant step toward a future where faith and fashion not only coexist but actively enrich each other, one meticulously crafted garment at a time.
Making a (Modest) Statement: A Vision for Inclusive Style
The Modest Now x Muslimi show was conceived with the explicit intention of making a powerful statement. This ambition was palpable in the meticulous planning and execution leading up to the event. The runway was strategically set within a studio space, its expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows bathing the venue in an airy, luminous glow that artfully highlighted the models as they showcased the collections. This choice of venue underscored the desire for transparency and openness, reflecting the core values of the event.
The runway presented two distinct yet complementary collections. First, the Eid Edit from Amariah, a women’s fashion brand founded by Maryam Amaria, captivated the audience. Inspired by Amaria’s recent travels through the Middle East, the collection featured light, flowing fabrics expertly draped to create silhouettes that moved with an elegant ease around the wearer. The inherent simplicity of the designs drew the focus back to the individual, radiating an understated elegance rather than overt ostentation. As described by Modest Now co-founder Dina Barber, the overall aesthetic was "Romantic. Pretty. Soft. Effortless." This collection offered a sophisticated interpretation of modest wear, emphasizing grace and refined beauty.
Complementing Amariah’s ethereal designs was the unisex Fall Winter 2026 Collection from Athari Wear, a streetwear brand founded by Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy. This collection brought a powerful socio-political and ethical dimension to the runway. With pieces deeply rooted in the symbolism of Palestine, the iconic keffiyeh, and influential Muslim-American figures like Malcolm X, Athari Wear presented sharp, modern, and unapologetically bold statements. The collection emphasized passion and cultural pride while maintaining an effortlessly cool, urban edge.
El-Hosainy’s design philosophy placed a premium on both the quality of materials and the ethical sourcing and production processes. He articulated this commitment by stating, "I tried to the best of my ability to use the best premium materials and fabrics out there – unique, special materials like suede, Spandex – and everything else. The most important thing for me is that I make sure that’s ethical, that it comes from an ethical source and also has ethical production for it, because, you know, these go hand-in-hand." This dedication to responsible fashion resonated deeply, adding a layer of integrity to the visual spectacle.
The significance of the runway extended beyond the designers and the clothes; it was a profoundly meaningful experience for the models as well. Many took to social media to express how the event provided a crucial avenue for them to express their identities and values within an industry that can sometimes penalize individuals for their beliefs. This sentiment highlighted the broader impact of the show, fostering a sense of empowerment and solidarity among the participants.
The Modest Now x Muslimi show culminated with the founders, Dina Barber and Fatima Younus of Modest Now, walking hand-in-hand to acknowledge the audience’s enthusiastic reception. Athari Wear’s founder, Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, also took a celebratory lap of the runway to thunderous applause, a testament to the impact of his collection’s message.
Walking the Talk: Athari Wear’s Ethically-Charged Fashion
EnVi had the opportunity to connect with Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, the visionary behind Athari Wear, to delve deeper into the creative process and the profound inspirations behind his Fall Winter 2026 collection. El-Hosainy’s journey into fashion design is intrinsically linked to his personal experiences and unwavering principles.
"Basically, my inspiration came throughout my career," El-Hosainy shared. "I was working in the fashion industry and, long story short, they fired me for standing up for my beliefs. So I wanted to create a collection that reflects my identity, my values, and the people that I look up to like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and all the other Muslims and even those who are not Muslim who align with our values. I want to create something that collects all these ideas together, as well as raises awareness for our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Sudan."
El-Hosainy’s convictions were not confined to his design process; they were boldly displayed as he concluded the show. On the back of his jacket, emblazoned in stark, blocky text, were the words "I don’t want blood money." This powerful declaration served as a potent visual anchor, reinforcing the ethical underpinnings of his brand and his stance against exploitative practices.
"I believe that fashion’s political and has to be a fashion statement," El-Hosainy asserted. "To me, fashion is something that you express yourself through, something that raises awareness to everything that’s going on." This perspective positions fashion not merely as an aesthetic pursuit but as a critical tool for social commentary and advocacy.
When asked to identify specific pieces that held particular significance, El-Hosainy highlighted several collections that encapsulate his core messages. These included the Fall Winter 2026 Palestine Collection, the Keffiyeh Collection, and the pieces that celebrate the identities of influential Muslim figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. The "melon fit," which he described as a "press fit," was specifically called out as a design intended to raise awareness about the "death toll in Palestine and Gaza," demonstrating a direct translation of humanitarian concerns into sartorial expression.
Taking a Calculated Chance: The Genesis of Modest Now
Post-show, Dina Barber, a co-founder of Modest Now, provided valuable insights into the strategic vision and meticulous planning that brought the Modest Now x Muslimi show to fruition. Her answers illuminated the imperative behind the timing of this event: "Because I feel like we need a representative, right? As Muslims. Like they say, we are not the stronger ones here [in the U.S.]. So I feel we need to be seen because there is so much creativity that the industry has not seen before. The goal is to make modest mainstream and then have a category in the industry, just like swimwear or cocktail dresses, because right now, we don’t have that. We need to start somewhere."
Barber’s words underscore the critical need for visibility and representation for modest fashion within the global fashion industry. The current landscape, she explained, lacks a dedicated category for modest wear, forcing it to exist on the periphery rather than as an integral part of the fashion ecosystem. The ambition of Modest Now is to bridge this gap and establish modest fashion as a recognized and celebrated genre.
The selection of Amariah and Athari Wear was a deliberate and strategic choice, reflecting a careful curation process. "This is an industry show. This is not like a sideshow or anything – we [were] really careful to choose, you know, since this was the first time and a first impression is everything," Barber explained. "So that’s why we only have two designers, because we wanted to show modest fashion." This focused approach aimed to present a clear and impactful initial statement to the fashion world.
Barber further elaborated on the distinct styles represented: "Amariah is romantic, you know, like girly with nice stitching, which is important. And then the other one we have is Athari Wear, which is streetwear." This duality was intended to showcase the breadth and versatility of modest fashion, demonstrating that it encompasses a wide spectrum of aesthetics, from elegant and feminine to bold and urban. The selection criteria prioritized "good quality, not randomly," emphasizing a commitment to showcasing established designers with strong business foundations.
The success of the event was a testament to collaborative efforts and community support. Barber expressed profound gratitude not only to the presenting designers and Muslimi but also to the production and PR team at Riviere Agency, and her co-founder, Fatima Younus. Significantly, she highlighted the invaluable support received from non-Muslims within the community. "We are really, really grateful for the community because the community has supported us. It’s really crazy that we have a lot of support from non-Muslims, because they took care of us and it’s really beautiful." This cross-cultural embrace speaks volumes about the unifying power of fashion and shared values.
Modest Now’s vision extends beyond a singular event. Barber emphasized the importance of sustainability and long-term impact in their designer selection. "We make sure that [the businesses] are going to do it again, that they’re not going to close down after this, you know? They both already have a base, they already have a business. That’s what’s important. It’s going to move the economy, you know?" This forward-thinking approach ensures that the platform fosters genuine growth and contributes to the economic vitality of the designers and the modest fashion sector.
Winding Down and Wrapping Up: Faith and Fashion in Harmony
As the runway lights dimmed and the final beats of music faded, a palpable sense of accomplishment filled the air. Models, members of the media, and invited guests mingled, discussing the day’s events and the future of modest fashion. The Modest Now x Muslimi show had demonstrably succeeded in its primary objective: attracting an audience keen on integrating modest fashion into the mainstream.
For attendees like Stella Saleh, who was present to support Ahmed Saleh, a professional bodybuilder who walked in the show, the event was a significant affirmation. "I’m here because I’m so excited to see this," she told EnVi Media. "I definitely think it [modest fashion] should be more available here in America. Even myself here as a hijabi, I have such a hard time finding modest clothing. Being at this event really is a very great opportunity to show that modest fashion is also fashionable." Her sentiment echoed a broader desire for increased accessibility and visibility of stylish modest apparel.
The true spirit of the event was perhaps best encapsulated in a quiet, yet profound moment that unfolded as the day drew to a close. As the energy of NYFW continued to buzz around them, a group of models, still clad in their runway ensembles, realized it was time for Asr, one of Islam’s five daily prayers. In a spontaneous act of devotion, they quietly retreated to a corner of the venue, removed their sneakers, and stood to pray. This scene, unfolding amidst the remnants of a high-fashion spectacle, provided a powerful and poignant conclusion. It served as a visual testament to the seamless integration of faith and personal style, illustrating how individuals can embrace their beliefs and passions without compromise. The image of models praying in their designer outfits offered a profound statement on the harmonious coexistence of modesty, faith, and high fashion, solidifying the Modest Now x Muslimi show as a landmark moment in the evolution of inclusive style.
The success of the Modest Now x Muslimi show signals a promising shift in the fashion industry’s perception and integration of diverse cultural and religious expressions. The event not only showcased the talent of Muslim designers but also highlighted the growing demand for inclusive and ethically-conscious fashion, paving the way for a more representative and harmonious future on the global fashion stage.
