The Modest Now x Muslimi Show Marks a Historic Debut at New York Fashion Week, Championing Inclusivity and Cultural Expression
Beneath the controlled chaos of backstage preparations, a vibrant tapestry of cultures converged. Traditional kufis, hijabs, and abayas were seamlessly interwoven with contemporary slacks and blouses, punctuated by a warm blend of greetings – the familiar "hey girl hey" mingling effortlessly with "salaam, how have you been?" This was the electrifying atmosphere one hour before the Modest Now x Muslimi show, a groundbreaking event that marked the first-ever dedicated modest fashion showcase at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on February 14th. Sponsored by Muslimi, a foundation committed to supporting and empowering Muslim communities across the United States, the Modest Now x Muslimi fashion show aimed to elevate Muslim designers, providing them with a crucial platform to express their creative visions within the fashion industry – a space historically characterized by its innovative spirit but not always by its embrace of diverse perspectives. The show represented a pivotal moment, a chance to visually articulate a future where faith and fashion not only coexist but powerfully complement each other, one meticulously crafted ensemble at a time.
A Statement in Style: Redefining Modesty on the Runway
The Modest Now x Muslimi show was conceived with a clear intent: to make a profound statement through its curated collections. This objective was palpable in the moments leading up to the presentation. The runway itself was set within a studio space, its expansive, floor-to-ceiling glass windows amplifying the natural light, which, in conjunction with the carefully orchestrated lighting, cast an airy, luminous glow that naturally drew the eye to the models.
The runway featured two distinct yet complementary collections. First, the "Eid Edit" from the women’s fashion brand Amariah, envisioned by designer Maryam Amaria. This collection drew inspiration from Amaria’s recent travels through the Middle East, characterized by light, flowing fabrics expertly shaped and draped to create silhouettes that moved gracefully with the wearer. The inherent simplicity of these designs served to highlight the individual, allowing the wearer’s presence to radiate without ostentation. Dina Barber, co-founder of Modest Now, aptly described the collection’s aesthetic as "Romantic. Pretty. Soft. Effortless."
Complementing Amariah’s elegance was the unisex Fall Winter 2026 Collection from the streetwear brand Athari Wear, designed by Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy. Athari Wear presented a fusion of street-style aesthetics with a potent political and ethical undertone. The collection’s pieces were deeply rooted in cultural and political commentary, featuring designs that referenced Palestine, the iconic keffiyeh, and influential Muslim-American figures such as Malcolm X. The ensembles showcased on the runway were sharp, contemporary, and imbued with a sense of passionate conviction, all while maintaining an effortlessly cool demeanor.
El-Hosainy’s design philosophy placed equal emphasis on material quality and ethical 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 stated. "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 commitment to ethical sourcing and manufacturing resonated deeply with the show’s overarching message.
The significance of this runway extended beyond the designers and their creations; it held profound meaning for the models as well. Several models shared their experiences, highlighting how the show provided a rare opportunity to authentically express their values and identity within an industry that has, at times, penalized individuals for standing by their beliefs.
The grand finale saw Modest Now co-founders Dina Barber and Fatima Younus walk hand-in-hand to acknowledge the audience’s enthusiastic response. Athari Wear’s founder, Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, then took a triumphant lap around the runway to a chorus of thunderous applause, further solidifying the impact of his collection.
Walking the Talk: Athari Wear’s Fusion of Art, Ethics, and Activism
Islam Mohamed El-Hosainy, the visionary behind Athari Wear, is a designer whose commitment to his values is not merely a talking point but the very foundation of his artistic expression. In a post-show conversation with EnVi Media, El-Hosainy elaborated on the genesis of his Fall Winter 2026 collection, a narrative deeply intertwined with his personal journey.
"Basically, my inspiration came throughout my career," El-Hosainy explained. "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 powerfully communicated not only through his designs but also through a striking personal statement. As he made his final walk around the runway, the back of his jacket bore a bold, block-lettered declaration: "I don’t want blood money." This direct message underscored his stance against unethical practices and his dedication to social justice.
"I believe that fashion’s political and has to be a fashion statement," El-Hosainy articulated. "To me, fashion is something that you express yourself through, something that raises awareness to everything that’s going on."
When asked to identify the pieces that held the most personal significance, El-Hosainy highlighted several key collections: the Fall Winter 2026 Palestine Collection, the Keffiyeh Collection, and the series reflecting the identities of influential Muslim figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. He specifically referenced the "melon fit" from the Palestine Collection, noting its purpose: "The melon fit, the press fit, raises awareness to the death toll in Palestine and Gaza."
Taking a Calculated Chance: The Vision Behind Modest Now
Dina Barber, one of the driving forces behind Modest Now, shared her insights into the genesis and significance of this landmark show. When asked about the timing – "Why Modest Now?" – her response was immediate and emphatic: "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 emphasized the meticulous deliberation that informed the selection of designers for this inaugural NYFW presentation. "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."
She further elaborated on how the two featured collections offered a compelling contrast within the modest fashion landscape. "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." Barber reiterated the commitment to quality: "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 collaborative effort. Barber expressed deep gratitude for the support received from various entities, including Muslimi, the Riviere Agency for production and PR, and her co-founder, Fatima Younus. "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."
Barber underscored the intention for Modest Now to establish an enduring presence, not merely a fleeting moment. She highlighted the importance of selecting designers with established businesses and a commitment to continued growth. "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 impact of the show extends beyond the runway, fostering sustainable growth within the modest fashion sector.
A Moment of Reflection and Community
As the pulsating rhythms of the show faded, the space transformed into a hub for networking and connection. Models, members of the press, and invited guests engaged in conversations, sharing their experiences and impressions of the groundbreaking event. The Modest Now x Muslimi show had successfully achieved its primary objective: attracting an audience keenly interested in elevating modest fashion into the mainstream.
For many attendees, the show represented a beacon of hope and a catalyst for future opportunities. Stella Saleh, who attended to support Ahmed Saleh, a professional bodybuilder who participated in the show, expressed 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." Her sentiment echoed the broader desire for greater accessibility and visibility of modest fashion within American retail.
As the event drew to a close and attendees began to depart for their next NYFW engagements, a poignant moment unfolded. A group of models, still adorned in their runway attire, realized it was time for Asr, one of Islam’s five daily prayers. In a quiet, respectful gesture, they found a corner of the venue, removed their footwear, and performed their prayers. This spontaneous act, occurring amidst the remnants of high fashion, provided a powerful and deeply personal conclusion to the day’s narrative. It was a quiet yet profound demonstration of faith and fashion coexisting harmoniously, allowing individuals to embrace their passions and their principles without compromise. The image of the models praying, their stylish ensembles a backdrop to their devotion, served as a potent symbol of the event’s core message: the seamless integration of faith, identity, and personal style.
The Modest Now x Muslimi show was more than just a fashion presentation; it was a cultural milestone. It represented a significant step forward in challenging conventional fashion narratives and championing a more inclusive and representative industry. The event’s success has laid the groundwork for future initiatives, signaling a growing recognition of the economic and creative potential of modest fashion on a global scale. The dedication of the organizers and designers to fostering a more welcoming and diverse fashion landscape promises a future where style and substance, faith and expression, can truly flourish together.
