The Kurator’s Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week highlights

The 10th edition of Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week concluded in spectacular fashion, reaffirming its position as a global force driving forward the narrative of modest style. Held at the iconic St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, the three-day event was a celebration of cultural identity, empowerment, and the evolving definitions of beauty, success, and influence.

As Taghrid Al Saeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications and Events at Miral, aptly put it:

“Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is more than just a destination, it’s a space where culture, creativity and community converge. Hosting the 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week here is a natural fit, as the event mirrors the island’s spirit of authenticity, elegance and forward thinking. From our world-renowned cultural institutions to our unwavering celebration of identity and innovation, Saadiyat continues to serve as a powerful platform for voices and visions that shape global dialogue, especially those that honour both heritage and modern expression.”

Day One

Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week opened with a defiant sense of purpose. Halima Aden, the Somali-American model who broke barriers as the first hijab-wearing woman to sign with a major agency, returned to the spotlight to unveil a modest swimwear line in collaboration with Turkish e-tailer Modanisa. The collection, which prioritised function without sacrificing fluidity, set a precedent for the week: inclusivity was not to be an afterthought, but the starting point.

Other notable showcases included Clue Official, whose youthful silhouettes and bold palettes spoke to a Gen Z consumer attuned to both modesty and movement, and GLOW by Zeina Ali, whose intricate embellishments offered a counterpoint of opulence. The regional label KENS pushed the boundaries of streetwear modesty, incorporating oversized tailoring with subtle nods to Gulf heritage.

But beyond the runway, it was the atmosphere, charged with anticipation and pride that stood out. Attendees from across continents gathered not merely as spectators but as contributors to a larger dialogue about representation, autonomy, and the global potential of modest wear.

Day Two

The second day delved deeper into the cultural fabric that binds modest fashion to regional heritage. A notable runway by Cabochon paid homage to Emirati silhouettes, layering silk organza with metallic threads in an ode to Gulf couture. Meanwhile, Lanuuk presented a collection designed for the modern traveller: sleek, SPF-ready swimwear and outer layers that flowed easily from poolside to dinner table.

Designers from Qatar, Iran, Jordan, Nigeria, Turkey, Australia, and Palestine brought contrasting textures, silhouettes, and politics to the fore. Amina The Brand’s joyful prints were rooted in diasporic memory, while Niqozza leaned into a minimalist palette to explore themes of restraint and elegance. The juxtaposition highlighted the richness within the category - modest fashion is not a monolith, but a spectrum of cultural expression.

The shows were personal narratives sewn into garments. And in many ways, they revealed how fashion can serve as both armour and invitation: a way of preserving tradition while pushing style forward.

Day Three

While the first two days were dominated by visuals, Day Three gave space to reflection. A series of thought-led panels brought together founders, editors, buyers and influencers to interrogate the business, politics, and philosophies behind modest fashion.

Women Leading Change, Redefining Success opened the day with voices that underscored the shifting definitions of power in the industry. Panellists ranging from C-suite executives to grassroots entrepreneurs, shared candid reflections on navigating male-dominated spheres, the emotional toll of visibility, and the non-linear nature of success for women of colour.

The Future of Fashion: Buyer Insights, Growth & Trends drew attention to the commercial viability of modest fashion in both Muslim-majority and Western markets. Speakers discussed the increasing demand for inclusive sizing, the slow move toward sustainability, and the growing appetite among younger consumers for ethical transparency. Retail, they agreed, is no longer about aspiration - it’s about alignment.

In Bridging Worlds: Fashion & Culture Allure in Destinations, panellists examined the link between fashion and tourism, touching on how design can elevate a destination’s cultural capital. Saadiyat Island, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and upcoming Guggenheim was cited as a case study for how fashion and place-making can coalesce.

Creative Voices: Shaping Inclusive Fashion Storytelling and Beyond Stereotypes: A New Modest Fashion Era focused on the politics of visibility. Panellists spoke frankly about tokenism in fashion media, the power of self-representation, and the responsibility of brands to go beyond performative inclusion. Authenticity, they argued, is no longer optional.

Finally, Beyond Influence: Building a Successful Business from Your Personal Brand explored the grey space between influence and entrepreneurship. Speakers unpacked the realities behind the curated content - discussing burnout, monetisation, and the need to build something sustainable beyond the algorithm.

The day concluded with a Closing Ceremony that felt more like a collective affirmation. Modest fashion is not a niche - it's a global industry with depth, drive, and undeniable cultural currency.

And perhaps most importantly, the week made clear that modest fashion is no longer asking for a seat at the table. It’s building its own.