The Inaugural Modest Now x Muslimi Fashion Show Makes a Resounding Debut at New York Fashion Week, Championing Faith and Inclusivity
The vibrant backstage atmosphere of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) buzzed with an unusual yet harmonious convergence. Amidst the typical whirlwind of designers, models, and stylists, a rich tapestry of cultural and religious attire was on display. Kufis, hijabs, and abayas mingled effortlessly with slacks and blouses, and the air was filled with a blend of casual greetings like "hey girl hey" and respectful "salaam, how have you been?" This scene, just one hour before the Modest Now x Muslimi show, marked a pivotal moment: the first-ever modest fashion showcase at NYFW, held on February 14th. Sponsored by Muslimi, a foundation dedicated to supporting and empowering Muslim communities across the United States, the event 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 aesthetics and identities. The Modest Now x Muslimi show envisioned a future where faith and fashion not only coexist but thrive, one meticulously crafted garment at a time.
Making a (Modest) Statement: A Vision on the Runway
The Modest Now x Muslimi show was conceived not merely as a presentation of clothing, but as a profound statement. This intention was palpable from the moment guests entered the venue. The runway was set within a studio space characterized by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which, combined with the carefully curated lighting, cast an ethereal glow that drew focus to the models and their ensembles. The ambiance was designed to be both airy and intimate, creating a sanctuary for the sartorial narratives about to unfold.
The collections featured were meticulously chosen to represent the breadth and depth of modest fashion. The runway showcased the "Eid Edit" from Amariah, a women’s fashion brand helmed by designer Maryam Amaria. Amariah’s collection drew inspiration from Amaria’s recent travels across the Middle East, translating her experiences into designs characterized by light, flowing fabrics. The garments were artfully shaped and draped to create a graceful, loose silhouette that celebrated the wearer’s natural form without overt embellishment. This emphasis on simplicity allowed the wearer to become the focal point, illuminated by the elegance of the design rather than ostentatious display. Dina Barber, co-founder of Modest Now, aptly described the aesthetic as "Romantic. Pretty. Soft. Effortless."
Complementing Amariah’s ethereal designs was the unisex Fall Winter 2026 Collection from Athari Wear, a streetwear brand founded by Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy. Athari Wear’s collection brought a powerful socio-political dimension to the runway. With pieces explicitly referencing Palestine, the iconic keffiyeh, and influential Muslim-American figures like Malcolm X, the collection presented sharp, contemporary silhouettes that exuded passion while maintaining an effortlessly cool demeanor. This fusion of style and substance underscored a commitment to fashion as a vehicle for advocacy and identity.
Designer El-Hosainy articulated a deep-seated commitment to both the quality of his materials and the ethical sourcing and production of his garments. He stated, "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 ethical fashion practices resonated throughout his collection, demonstrating that style and integrity are not mutually exclusive.
The significance of the runway extended beyond the designers and their creations; it was a profoundly meaningful experience for the models as well. Several models shared their perspectives on social media, highlighting how the event offered them a rare opportunity to authentically express their values within a system that has, at times, penalized individuals for standing firm in their beliefs. This sentiment underscored the broader implications of the show, positioning it as a testament to the power of representation and self-expression in the fashion industry.
The grand finale of the show saw the founders of Modest Now, Dina Barber and Fatima Younus, take to the runway hand-in-hand, acknowledging the audience with warm waves. They were joined by Islam Mohamed El-Hoseiny of Athari Wear, who completed a triumphant lap of the runway to a standing ovation, a fitting culmination to an event that celebrated both artistic achievement and personal conviction.
Walking the Talk: Athari Wear’s Ethos of Advocacy
Beyond the spectacle of the runway, the Modest Now x Muslimi show served as a powerful platform for designers to articulate their artistic and ethical philosophies. Athari Wear founder and designer, Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, was particularly vocal about his commitment to integrating his values into his craft. In a candid conversation with EnVi Media following the show, El-Hosainy detailed the genesis of his Fall Winter 2026 collection, revealing a journey deeply intertwined with personal and political conviction.
"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 commitment to his convictions was not merely expressed in interviews but visibly demonstrated. During his final walk on the runway, the back of his jacket bore a stark, impactful message in bold lettering: "I don’t want blood money." This statement served as a potent reminder of the political undercurrents woven into his designs and his personal stance against complicity in unethical 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."
When pressed about specific pieces that held particular significance, El-Hosainy highlighted several collections: the Fall Winter 2026 Palestine Collection, the Keffiyeh Collection, and those that celebrate Muslim identities through figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. He elaborated on the Palestine Collection, noting, "The melon fit, the press fit, raises awareness to the death toll in Palestine and Gaza." This direct connection between design elements and urgent global issues underscored the transformative potential of fashion as a tool for social commentary and activism.
Taking a Calculated Chance: The Vision of Modest Now
The genesis of the Modest Now x Muslimi show was rooted in a clear strategic vision. Dina Barber, one of the key figures behind Modest Now, explained the impetus for the event, emphasizing the urgent need for representation. "Because I feel like we need a representative, right? As Muslims," she stated. "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 sentiment reflects a broader movement within the fashion industry to acknowledge and cater to diverse consumer needs and cultural expressions. Historically, modest fashion has been relegated to niche markets, often lacking the visibility and mainstream appeal afforded to other fashion categories. Modest Now aimed to fundamentally shift this paradigm by positioning modest wear not as a constraint, but as a style choice that can be both fashionable and faith-aligned.
Barber elaborated on the meticulous selection process for the featured designers, underscoring the importance of making a strong first impression. "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. So that’s why we only have two designers, because we wanted to show modest fashion." This deliberate approach aimed to curate a showcase that would be taken seriously by the fashion establishment, demonstrating that modest fashion possesses the creativity, quality, and commercial viability to compete on the global stage.
The two featured collections were chosen to illustrate the diverse spectrum of modest fashion. Barber described Amariah as representing "romantic, you know, like girly with nice stitching, which is important," while Athari Wear offered a distinct "streetwear" aesthetic. This pairing was intentional, demonstrating that modest fashion is not monolithic but encompasses a wide range of styles and sensibilities. The selection criteria emphasized "good quality, not randomly," a testament to the organizers’ commitment to showcasing brands with strong design principles and business acumen.
The success of the Modest Now x Muslimi show was a collaborative effort, made possible by the support of various entities. Muslimi provided crucial sponsorship, while the Riviere Agency handled production and public relations. Barber also expressed deep gratitude for the broader community’s support, noting, "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 and interfaith support highlighted the event’s potential to foster unity and understanding.
Crucially, Modest Now aimed for longevity, ensuring that the featured designers were not merely participants in a one-off event but businesses poised for sustained growth. Barber emphasized, "[Amariah and Athari Wear are] not going to do it like once and done. 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 focus on economic empowerment and sustainable business development underscored the pragmatic ambition behind the initiative.
Winding Down and Wrapping Up: A Seamless Integration of Faith and Fashion
As the runway lights dimmed and the final applause subsided, the Modest Now x Muslimi show transitioned into a period of organic mingling. Models, media representatives, and guests engaged in conversations, sharing their experiences and impressions of the groundbreaking event. The atmosphere remained charged with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what this showcase might portend for the future of modest fashion.
The show had successfully achieved its primary objective: attracting a diverse audience invested in the mainstreaming of modest fashion. For attendees like Stella Saleh, who came to support Ahmed Saleh, a professional bodybuilder who walked in the show, the event was a revelation. "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 words resonated with many, highlighting the practical challenges faced by individuals seeking stylish, faith-aligned clothing options within the current market.
The event concluded with a deeply poignant and symbolic moment that beautifully encapsulated the core message of the show. As the formal proceedings drew to a close and guests began to depart for their next NYFW engagements, a group of models, still clad in their runway ensembles, realized it was time for Asr, one of Islam’s five daily prayers. With quiet grace, they moved to a secluded corner of the venue, removed their shoes, and commenced their prayers. This spontaneous act, performed amidst the vestiges of high fashion, was a powerful testament to the seamless integration of faith and personal expression. It was a quiet, heartfelt punctuation mark on a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and authenticity, illustrating that one can embrace their passions, including fashion, without compromising their core beliefs. The image of models praying in their striking outfits served as a potent reminder that faith and fashion can indeed coexist and complement each other, allowing individuals to express their multifaceted identities with pride and integrity. This profound closing scene underscored the Modest Now x Muslimi show’s ultimate success: demonstrating that inclusivity and diversity are not just trends, but essential components of a truly progressive fashion industry.
