The Inaugural Modest Now x Muslimi Show Ushers in a New Era of Inclusivity at New York Fashion Week
Beneath the palpable energy of the backstage atmosphere, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and styles converged. Kufis, hijabs, and abayas flowed seamlessly alongside contemporary slacks and blouses, with greetings ranging from a casual "hey girl hey" to a warm "salaam, how have you been?" This dynamic scene unfolded just one hour before the Modest Now x Muslimi show, a groundbreaking event marking the first-ever modest fashion presentation at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on February 14. Spearheaded by Muslimi, a foundation dedicated to supporting and empowering Muslim communities across the United States, the show aimed to elevate Muslim designers, providing them a crucial platform for self-expression within an industry that has historically struggled with embracing diversity. This initiative signifies a pivotal moment, showcasing a future where faith and fashion can not only coexist but also inspire and redefine contemporary style, one thoughtfully designed garment at a time.
Photos by Sumayyah Uddin.
Making a Modest Statement: A New Vision for Fashion Week
The Modest Now x Muslimi show was conceived with the explicit intention of making a profound statement, a sentiment evident from the very genesis of the event. Held in a studio space characterized by soaring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the venue, combined with strategic lighting, bathed the runway in an ethereal glow, casting a spotlight on the models and the artistry they presented. This choice of setting underscored the show’s commitment to highlighting the elegance and sophistication of modest fashion, moving it from the periphery to the center stage of one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals.
The runway itself showcased two distinct yet complementary collections: the "Eid Edit" from the women’s fashion brand Amariah, conceived by designer Maryam Amaria, and the unisex Fall Winter 2026 Collection from streetwear label Athari Wear, designed by Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy.
Amariah’s collection drew inspiration from the founder’s recent travels across the Middle East, translating the essence of those experiences into designs characterized by light, flowing fabrics. The garments were expertly shaped and draped to fall gracefully around the wearer, emphasizing a subtle elegance. The simplicity of Amariah’s designs deliberately shifted the focus to the individual, illuminating their presence without resorting to ostentatious displays. As Dina Barber, co-founder of Modest Now, eloquently described the aesthetic, it was "Romantic. Pretty. Soft. Effortless." This collection offered a vision of contemporary modest wear that is both aspirational and accessible, blending traditional influences with modern sensibilities.
In contrast, Athari Wear presented a collection that fused streetwear aesthetics with a potent political and ethical undercurrent. With pieces deeply rooted in the cultural significance of Palestine, the iconic keffiyeh, and celebrated Muslim-American figures like Malcolm X, Athari Wear’s designs exuded a sharp, modern edge. The collection articulated passion and identity while maintaining an effortlessly cool demeanor. Designer El-Hosainy’s meticulous approach extended beyond aesthetics to encompass both materials and ethical sourcing. He articulated his commitment, 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 ethical production resonates with a growing consumer demand for transparency and social responsibility in the fashion industry.
The significance of this runway extended beyond the designers and their creations; it resonated deeply with the models themselves. Several models shared their experiences, highlighting how the show provided a unique opportunity to express their values within a system that can sometimes penalize individuals for standing firm in their beliefs. This sentiment underscores the broader impact of events like Modest Now x Muslimi, which not only celebrate fashion but also champion personal integrity and advocacy.
The show culminated with a powerful visual statement. Modest Now co-founders Dina Barber and Fatima Younus walked hand-in-hand to acknowledge the audience, followed by Athari Wear founder Islam Mohamed El-Hoseiny, who received a resounding ovation as he completed a lap of the runway. This collective appearance symbolized unity and the shared vision behind this pioneering event.
Walking the Talk: Athari Wear’s Commitment to Conscious Design
EnVi had the opportunity to engage in a deeper conversation with Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, the visionary behind Athari Wear, to explore the inspirations and ethos that shaped his Fall Winter 2026 collection. El-Hosainy’s journey into fashion design is deeply intertwined with his personal convictions and experiences.
"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 unwavering commitment to his principles was not confined to his design process but was powerfully articulated during his final walk on the runway. Adorning the back of his jacket in bold, block lettering were the words, "I don’t want blood money." This stark declaration served as a potent commentary on the ethical considerations within the fashion industry and a direct response to the ongoing humanitarian crises in regions like Palestine and Sudan.
"I believe that fashion’s political and has to be a fashion statement. To me, fashion is something that you express yourself through, something that raises awareness to everything that’s going on," El-Hosainy explained. This philosophy positions fashion as more than mere aesthetics; it becomes a vehicle for social commentary and a tool for raising awareness about critical global issues.
When asked about specific pieces that held particular significance, El-Hosainy pointed to the Fall Winter 2026 Palestine Collection, the Keffiyeh Collection, and the collection that draws parallels with the identities of influential Muslim figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. He elaborated on the Palestine Collection, stating, "The melon fit, the press fit, raises awareness to the death toll in Palestine and Gaza." This statement connects the visual language of his designs directly to the lived realities and struggles of people in conflict zones, transforming clothing into a form of advocacy.
Taking a Calculated Chance: The Genesis of Modest Now
Following the runway presentations, EnVi sat down with Dina Barber, one of the co-founders of Modest Now, to gain insight into the strategic planning and vision behind this significant event. The question of "why now?" for Modest Now was central to understanding the urgency and relevance of the show.
"Because I feel like we need a representative, right? As Muslims," Barber responded. "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 articulation highlights a critical gap in the fashion industry’s landscape: the lack of a dedicated and recognized category for modest fashion. The ambition of Modest Now is to dismantle this oversight, advocating for its integration into the mainstream fashion discourse, much like other established apparel segments. This vision reflects a desire for greater representation and market recognition, aiming to create a more inclusive and diverse fashion ecosystem.
The selection of designers for this inaugural event was a deliberate and strategic decision. Barber elaborated, "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 measured approach underscores the importance of making a strong and impactful first impression, showcasing the breadth and depth of modest fashion through carefully curated partnerships.
Barber further explained 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." She emphasized the rigorous selection criteria, stating, "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." This commitment to quality and thoughtful curation signals a long-term strategy for Modest Now, aiming to build a sustainable movement rather than a fleeting moment.
The success of the Modest Now x Muslimi show was a testament to collaborative efforts. Barber expressed deep gratitude for the support received from various entities, including Muslimi, Riviere Agency for production and PR, and her co-founder, Fatima Younus. Notably, she highlighted the invaluable support from the broader community, including non-Muslim allies. "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 underscores the universal appeal of inclusive initiatives and the power of collective action in driving change.
Barber also stressed the importance of ensuring the longevity and impact of the participating businesses. "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 aims to foster sustainable growth for modest fashion entrepreneurs, integrating them more firmly into the economic fabric of the fashion industry.
Winding Down and Wrapping Up: A Vision for the Future
As the Modest Now x Muslimi show concluded, the atmosphere transitioned into a space for mingling and connection, with models, media representatives, and guests engaging in conversation. The event successfully attracted an audience keenly interested in elevating modest fashion to mainstream recognition, setting the stage for future endeavors.
For many attendees, the show represented more than just a fashion presentation; it was a beacon of hope for increased accessibility and representation. Stella Saleh, who attended to support professional bodybuilder Ahmed Saleh, who walked in the show, shared her enthusiasm: "I’m here because I’m so excited to see this. 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." Saleh’s sentiment reflects a common challenge faced by individuals seeking stylish and readily available modest clothing, reinforcing the need for greater market penetration.
The profound impact of the event was beautifully encapsulated in a quiet, yet powerful moment that unfolded as the show drew to a close. As the music faded and guests began to depart, a group of models realized it was time for Asr, one of Islam’s five daily prayers. Still adorned in their runway attire, they discreetly found a quiet corner, removed their footwear, and proceeded to pray. This act, performed amidst the remnants of high fashion, served as a poignant illustration of the seamless integration of faith and personal expression. It was a powerful visual testament to the core message of the day: that individuals can embrace their passions and their beliefs without compromise, allowing faith and fashion to coexist harmoniously and complement each other.
The Modest Now x Muslimi show was not merely a singular event but a deliberate step towards establishing a new industry standard. The careful selection of designers with existing businesses and a commitment to future growth underscores a strategic approach to fostering sustainable change within the fashion world. By providing a platform for designers like Maryam Amaria and Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, Modest Now is paving the way for a more inclusive, representative, and ethically conscious fashion industry, proving that modesty can indeed be at the forefront of style.
For those interested in learning more about Modest Now x Muslimi and exploring additional imagery from the show, their Instagram page offers further insights. The success of this event at NYFW signals a growing momentum for modest fashion, promising a future where diverse styles and beliefs are not only accepted but celebrated on the global stage.
