modest clothing

Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb
Hadia Ghaleb and her eponymous modest swimwear label are back with another collection. This celebration of inclusivity and diversity will launch on the brand’s official website on April 10.
The Hadia Ghaleb Label SS2023 collection features seven vibrant designs spinning a fantasy of colorful patterns, with sleeveless and long-sleeved pieces which can be mixed and matched to create 14 distinctive sets. Accessories such as mega tote bags and instant hijabs – a headcover designed from a swim-friendly material to be put on in just one step – complement the playful nature of the collection.
Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb
“We wanted to be more playful and produce even bolder and more varied patterns for our second collection,” says the Dubai-based entrepreneur. “The designs, influenced by women’s empowerment, once again highlight how diverse our customers are. The pieces feature colors inspired by the universe and summer shades. We’re thrilled to offer an unprecedented variety of combinations for swimwear.”
A star piece for this collection is the swimwear jacket, an elegant number adorned with intricate designs accented by gold buttons and chains. The easy-to-put-on and take-off jacket also serves as an extra layer that can be worn with the Icing swimwear set for additional coverage.
Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb
“We shot this year’s Spring-Summer lookbook in two fashion capitals – New York and Dubai – to highlight that inclusive swimwear is now a global trend that appeals to fashionistas from all over the world,” says Ghlabe. Her words are not just a testament to the growing global appeal of modest fashion but also serve as a nod toward the fact that diversity is an important element at Hadia Ghaleb as the label caters to women of all cultures, religions, and lifestyles.
After its launch in April 2022, Hadia Ghaleb Label has experienced exponential growth, selling in numerous countries worldwide and getting listed at top retailers. With this second collection, the brand hopes to take it even further by integrating a more global approach into its ideology. In line with this, the SS23 collection will be modeled by leading fashion influencers from the region during an exclusive trip and online fashion show held in May at the JW Marriott Mauritius.
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Rym Saidi was all about spotlighting vibrant modest wear at the Bulgari Majlis last night.
Photo: Instagram.com/rymsaidi
Accompanied by husband Wissam Breidy, the Tunisian model opted for a demure number by Dubai-based Lebanese designer Dima Ayad. But unlike Ayad’s trademark metallic-detailed numbers, Saidi’s pick this time spruced things up with a bold print. The bright shade of violet of her kaftan, interlocked with white in a geometric print, was enhanced by a sequined V-shaped neckline. Standing beside her, Breidy painted a dapper picture in head-to-toe black: a look that also ensured that the couple’s ensembles didn’t clash.
Rym Saidi paired her geometric print kaftan with delicate jewelry
Given the busy pattern on her kaftan, Rym Saidi decided to go with understated, yet gorgeous, jewelry pieces for her iftar in Dubai. The model paired her look with a thin necklace featuring a trademark Bulgari pendant, and the rest of her jewelry – also from Bulgari – executed this minimalist vision to perfection. A pair of pared-back heels adorned her feet, rounding out a look that will surely provide inspiration for many Ramadan nights.
Photo: Instagram.com/rymsaidi
Rym Saidi’s super sleek beauty look
To complement her look, the 36-year-old pulled her hair back in a sleek low bun, letting all the focus fall upon her glammed-up face. Rym Saidi’s glossy pink lip was accompanied by a dewy complexion and a subtle rouge on the cheeks. Her sculpted brows and bold eyes brought to fruition a glamorous yet fuss-free makeup look, perfect for everything from evening affairs to a day out in the city.

Proving her versatile style, Saidi was also spotted in another distinct look this week. For the iftar hosted by Dior in Dubai, the mother-of-two opted for a black chiffon frock from the fashion house’s Ramadan collection. So whether you are looking to go the neutral route or the playful one, make sure to keep an eye out for Saidi’s wardrobe this month for lots of festive inspiration.
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Halima Aden, Ikram Abdi Omar, and Amina Adan. Photographed by Txema Yeste for Vogue Arabia April 2019.
Far from encompassing solely the Muslim community, modest fashion is quickly becoming a more inclusive way of dressing for women — regardless of religious and cultural background. Around the world, modest style influencers are using their social media platforms to amplify the voices calling for more covered ensembles and the mainstream fashion industry is taking notice. From fashion week runways touting longer, loose-fitting collections to hijabi supermodels starring in leading campaign shoots, the concept of modest dressing is being constantly redefined to represent the growing influence of the modest community.
Acting as a voice for modest fashion on the streets of their hometowns and the feeds of our digital networks, these visionary bloggers boasting thousands of followers each are unapologetically themselves, shifting the global perspective of modesty with their unique personal style and signature looks. With creative layering, statement accessories, and imaginative headwraps, modest-wear has never been so accessible so it only makes sense to turn to the experts for guidance. Scroll through the gallery below for a look at our some of our favorite modest style muses that continue to welcome more women into the folds of this timeless trend and empower those who do choose to dress modestly.
This Amsterdam-based entrepreneur not only wears elegant ensembles around the world but is also the owner of Shop Modiq, a boutique touting modest designs for the contemporary woman. This Kuwaiti fashion blogger has mastered the art of power suiting with bold colors and fun accents, often transforming a classic look to a haute modern-day approach. Based in Dubai, this Emirati-Palestinian influencer provides everyday inspo for conservative dressing with a blend of affordable pieces and designer accessories no matter the occasion. Often photographed traipsing the streets of her Florida hometown in an effortless mix of stylish layers, this fashion-forward influencer is also the host of the weekly podcast Arab-American Psycho, which shares her musings on life and invites other Arab women guest stars to do the same. This Sudanese-American was one of the first few hijab-wearing YouTube stars and is continuing to make waves in the fashion industry with her elevated street style that is chockfull of statement pieces, like this mustard trench. Celebrated as a modest fashionista, this Irish-Palestinian often collaborates with leading luxury brands, presenting chic combinations that play with different textures to emulate a ladylike aesthetic that is anything but one-dimensional. A Dubai-based instagrammer who likely needs no introduction, Al Ghouti is a proponent of premium streetwear embedded with her own inimitable edge and signature over-the-shoulder black hijab. This Londoner living in Riyadh is a longtime supporter of Arab designers, donning minimalist ensembles that favorite seamless silhouettes and earthy tones, whether it’s a linen abaya or knitted matching set. Known for championing comfortable yet structured pieces from patterned oversized blazers to tailored trousers, this Bangladeshi communications coordinator in Paris occasionally complements her no-nonsense outfits with a pop of traditional accessories from hometown flea markets. An Egyptian designer with an enviable closet, Taha explores the power of adventurous modestwear with abayas and bishts rooted in the season’s hottest trends. A Syrian-American content creator with an endless collection of versatile go-to pieces for the young modest generation. This emerging Swiss-Tunisian style blogger is a model for solid color-blocking combinations and vintage-inspired motifs reminiscent of her current European location. This half-Palestinian can be found photographed throughout New York City’s concrete jungle with imaginative ensembles emblematic of her thrift shop finds and cool attitude. Featuring a palette of pretty pastels and muted neutrals in dresses and skirts made for twirling, this Pakistani influencer is a vision of modest femininity. A self-proclaimed digital creator based in Stockholm, Asry is a veteran modest blogger who opts for a simple Scandinavian style that packs a subtle punch.
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HA: Another key point is opportunity for all. What does that look like at Tommy Hilfiger?
TH: We want to become a more informed organization that creates a strong sense of belonging. From designer to factory worker, everyone in our business deserves to feel valued, supported, and have their voice heard. There are a few internal programs being developed to support this, which I hope we can share soon!
HA: Recently, Tommy Hilfiger launched the People’s Place Program to advance the representation of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities within the fashion and creative industries. Can you share a bit about that?
TH: At 18, I created the original People’s Place as a dedicated space for people from all walks of life to come together to enjoy art, music, fashion, and pop culture. Shaped by the cultural revolution of the 1960s, the original store fostered an exchange of ideas, encouraged authentic self-expression, and challenged social norms. It is in this spirit that the People’s Place Program has been founded, with the aim to advance the representation of BIPOC within the fashion and creative industries. To achieve this, we will be annually committing a minimum of US $5 million for the next three years and focusing on partnerships, career access, and industry leadership that advance this mission.
The Original People’s Place, launched by Tommy Hilfiger when he was 18

HA: You’ve been outspoken in your support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Can you share some of the changes you’ve made within the company with regards to that?
TH: So many steps have already been taken to create more opportunities and platforms for all associates to listen and be heard. We have also rolled out mandatory “unconscious bias” training to all associates, provided resources to develop a deeper understanding of systemic racism, and launched an educational event series on racial justice. But there is always more to be done, and we won’t stop until our organization, and our industry, is truly open, inclusive, and equal.
Aden at the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya show at Paris Fashion Week, 2019

HA: One of the things I most admire about you is your commitment to helping the world’s most vulnerable children, as the mission resonates so personally with me. I was thrilled to attend and see you recognized and honored at the Save the Children event last year. Can you share what your hope is and how you continue to work to provide opportunities to our future leaders?
TH: Since I received such incredible advice early on in my career, I have stayed passionate about mentoring future fashion designers and industry leaders. We have a responsibility to use our platform to advance upcoming talent across all creative mediums. And by building partnerships, we are providing the next generation of leaders with resources, advice, connections, and support.
HA: One of the highlights of my career was wearing a custom Tommy Hilfiger burkini in the pages of Sports Illustrated Swim. What does it mean to you to be highlighting a piece that is geared towards not only Muslim women, but modest dressing women in general?

TH: It was such an honor to work with you and Sports Illustrated on this statement-making moment. When I began designing at 18, my philosophy was to start with the consumer: how they wanted to dress, what they thought was cool, what they needed. This approach is even more important today so we can keep expanding our understanding of what makes beautiful, classic, exciting fashion that is accessible to and inclusive of everyone.
HA: Any final thoughts or a message you would like to share with all of your fans in the Middle East?
TH: I have always admired the elegance of Middle Eastern fashion. I love to see the unique twist our fans across the region put on our collections. It really inspires me to experiment with new approaches.
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Originally published in the December 2020 Issue of Vogue Arabia