Modest Fashion Week returns to Dubai

Purveyors of dressing modestly often make two claims – that covering up is a personal choice, and that it can be a feminist one, too. So, it’s only fitting that this year’s edition of Dubai Modest Fashion Week takes place on International Women’s Day.

Self-funded entrepreneurs Franka Soeria and Ozlem Sahin are back in town to host the event from March 7 to 9 at Emerald Palace Kempinski on Palm Jumeirah. While modesty has become something of a buzzword in the industry, the pioneering duo have been dedicated to putting together platforms to support the modest movement since 2015. In 2017, Dubai hosted its first Modest Fashion Week, with a visit from hijab-wearing American-Somali model Halima Aden.

From Gucci’s runways to Instagram’s throng of modest-fashion bloggers, modest fashion has been on a pedestal in recent seasons.

But for the two founders, it is about more than showcasing glitz and glamour, and this year’s event will place a special focus on International Women’s Day and Fashion For Good. Women’s achievements will be highlighted through special talks from international female personalities, and there will also be social and humanitarian elements supported by the platform, including a showcase of modest fashion for women with disabilities, and a collection made in collaboration with refugees.

The event will see designers from 26 countries, and hosts and influencers from 35 countries. Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi will host the opening show on March 7, followed by runway presentations and discussions centred around modest fashion. To see the full schedule and to register, visit www.modestfashionweeks.com.

Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall will host Modest Fashion Weekend, also from March 7 to 9. It includes a runway show with looks from Maje, Aspinal of London, Sandro and Marks & Spencer, as well as a skin consultation with The Face Shop, a makeover at Charlotte Tilbury, and a henna artist.