The Modest Now x Muslimi Show: A Historic Debut at New York Fashion Week Redefines Inclusivity and Cultural Expression
Beneath the vibrant energy of backstage preparations, a unique tableau unfolded. Kufis, hijabs, and abayas moved with a fluid grace alongside traditional slacks and blouses, a harmonious blend of styles reflecting the diverse tapestry of the event. Casual greetings like "hey girl hey" mingled effortlessly with "salaam, how have you been?" This was the atmosphere an hour before the Modest Now x Muslimi show, a landmark event marking the first-ever dedicated modest fashion presentation at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on February 14. Sponsored by Muslimi, a foundation committed to supporting and empowering Muslim communities across the United States, the show aimed to elevate Muslim designers, providing them with a crucial platform to express their creativity in a fashion landscape that has historically been slow to embrace diverse identities and expressions. This groundbreaking showcase offered a glimpse into a future where faith and fashion could not only coexist but also enrich each other, one meticulously crafted garment at a time.
Making a (Modest) Statement: A Vision of Faith and Fashion
The Modest Now x Muslimi show was conceived with a clear intent: to make a powerful statement through its curated collections. This intention was palpable in the hours leading up to the event and vibrated throughout the runway presentation. The chosen venue, a studio space framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, bathed in strategically placed lighting, created an ethereal glow that directed all attention towards the models and the garments they wore. The ambiance was intentionally airy and focused, a deliberate choice to highlight the artistry on display.
The runway featured two distinct yet complementary collections. First, the Eid Edit from the women’s fashion brand Amariah, the brainchild of designer Maryam Amaria, captivated the audience. This collection drew inspiration from Amaria’s recent travels through the Middle East, translating into ethereal pieces crafted from light, flowing fabrics. The designs emphasized elegant draping and a relaxed silhouette, allowing the garments to fall gracefully around the wearer. The inherent simplicity of Amariah’s designs served to enhance the wearer, creating an aura of quiet confidence rather than overt ostentation. As described by Modest Now co-founder Dina Barber, the overall effect was "Romantic. Pretty. Soft. Effortless."
Following Amariah’s delicate artistry, the streetwear brand Athari Wear presented its unisex Fall Winter 2026 Collection, designed by Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy. This collection infused streetwear aesthetics with a potent political and ethical undercurrent. Pieces were thoughtfully designed to evoke themes of Palestinian solidarity, the iconic keffiyeh, and revered Muslim-American figures such as Malcolm X. The resulting fits were sharp, contemporary, and imbued with a sense of passionate conviction, all while maintaining an effortlessly cool demeanor.
El-Hosainy’s design philosophy extended beyond aesthetics to encompass a profound commitment to ethical sourcing and production. "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," he shared in an interview. "The most important thing for me is that I make sure that it’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 conscious creation underscored the show’s broader message of integrity and purpose.
The significance of the runway extended beyond the designers and their creations to the models themselves. Several models shared their personal experiences, highlighting how the event provided a vital space for them to authentically express their values. In an industry that can sometimes penalize individuals for standing up for their beliefs, this show offered a powerful affirmation of self-expression and integrity.
The Modest Now x Muslimi show culminated with a heartwarming moment. Modest Now founders Dina Barber and Fatima Younus walked hand-in-hand to acknowledge the audience’s enthusiastic reception. Athari Wear’s founder, Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, then took a triumphant lap around the runway to thunderous applause, further cementing the show’s impact.
Walking the Talk: A Designer’s Journey of Activism and Art
Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, the visionary behind Athari Wear, exemplifies a new generation of designers who are using their craft as a vehicle for social commentary and personal conviction. His Fall Winter 2026 collection at NYFW was a testament to this ethos, deeply rooted in his own experiences and the broader sociopolitical landscape.
"Basically, my inspiration came throughout my career," El-Hosainy explained to EnVi Media. "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 commitment to his principles was not merely expressed through his designs but also visibly demonstrated. As he completed his lap of the runway, the back of his jacket bore a powerful, unmissable statement in bold lettering: "I don’t want blood money." This stark declaration underscored his ethical stance and his refusal to align with exploitative practices, further amplifying the show’s underlying message.
"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." He identified several key collections that held particular personal significance: the Fall Winter 2026 Palestine Collection, the Keffiyeh Collection, and the collection that celebrates the identities of influential Muslim figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali.
The Palestine Collection, in particular, carried a poignant message. El-Hosainy explained that "The melon fit, the press fit, raises awareness to the death toll in Palestine and Gaza." This statement, while brief, highlights the profound connection between fashion and activism, where design choices can serve as powerful tools for advocacy and remembrance. The inclusion of the keffiyeh motif further solidified the collection’s dedication to raising awareness about Palestinian rights and heritage.
Taking a Calculated Chance: The Genesis of Modest Now
The inception of Modest Now, and its subsequent collaboration with Muslimi for this historic NYFW debut, was a deliberate and strategic endeavor. Dina Barber, a co-founder of Modest Now, elaborated on the motivations behind the initiative and the timing of their ambitious presentation.
"Because I feel like we need a representative, right? As Muslims," Barber stated when asked about the significance of "Modest Now." "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."
This statement reveals a clear objective: to normalize and integrate modest fashion into the broader industry, moving it from a niche category to a recognized and celebrated segment. The lack of a dedicated space for modest fashion within major fashion weeks highlighted a significant gap in representation and market recognition. Modest Now aims to bridge this divide, advocating for its inclusion alongside established categories.
The selection of Amariah and Athari Wear was a meticulous process, reflecting a deep understanding of the message they wanted to convey. "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."
Barber further detailed how the two featured collections represented distinct facets of modest fashion. "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." The selection criteria prioritized quality and deliberate design, ensuring that the featured brands embodied the innovation and artistry they wished to showcase. "We looked for good quality, not randomly, you know? That’s how we chose, that’s how we created it. We want everyone to join us on this platform, doing this movement together."
The success of the Modest Now x Muslimi show was a testament to the collaborative spirit and the extensive support network that underpinned the event. Barber expressed profound gratitude for the community’s involvement, noting the significant support received from non-Muslim individuals and organizations. "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 collaboration highlights the universal appeal of inclusivity and the growing recognition of modest fashion’s potential.
Furthermore, Barber emphasized the commitment to longevity and sustainability for the participating designers. "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 not only launches designers but also contributes to their sustained growth and the broader economic impact of modest fashion.
Winding Down and Wrapping Up: A Testament to Coexistence
As the final echoes of the runway show faded, the atmosphere shifted from the structured presentation to a more organic mingling of guests, models, and media. The Modest Now x Muslimi show had successfully achieved its objective: to draw an audience eager to champion the cause of making modest fashion a mainstream phenomenon.
For many attendees, the event represented a significant step forward. Stella Saleh, who attended to support Ahmed Saleh, a professional bodybuilder who walked in the show, expressed her enthusiasm. "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 the broader desire for greater accessibility and visibility for modest fashion in the American market.
The enduring impact of the show was perhaps most poignantly captured in a quiet moment that unfolded after the official proceedings concluded. As the energetic beats of the music subsided, a group of models realized it was time for Asr, one of the five daily Islamic prayers. Still clad in their striking runway attire, they gracefully retreated to a quiet corner of the venue. Removing their sneakers, they formed a small, serene circle and proceeded to pray. This spontaneous act, performed with dignity and devotion amidst the remnants of a high-fashion event, served as a profound visual metaphor for the show’s core message: the seamless integration of faith and fashion, allowing individuals to express their identities authentically and without compromise. This powerful closing image underscored the exhibition’s success in fostering an environment where diverse cultural and religious practices could not only coexist but also mutually enrich one another, setting a precedent for future fashion events.
