Lifestyle

Modest Fashion Week brings global Muslim style to the runway

Paris hosts its first-ever Modest Fashion Week celebration
Paris hosts its first-ever Modest Fashion Week celebration / Photo: bbc.com, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

Paris hosted its first Modest Fashion Week, showcasing clothing styles favored by many Muslim women. About 30 designer collections were presented on the runway, ranging from long, flowing dresses with floral motifs to more structured looks and relaxed streetwear.

Focus on coverage and versatility

The collections emphasized covered silhouettes, including maxi dresses, loose cuts, headwear, and layered outfits. Some designers highlighted soft, romantic tones and natural palettes, while others leaned into sportier, boxier shapes influenced by Generation Z street style.

Photo: bbc.com, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

Symbolic setting amid ongoing debate

The event took place in a private mansion near the Champs-Élysées. Organizers describe Paris as a key hub for modest fashion in Europe, even as religious dress remains a sensitive issue in France. Items such as the hijab and abaya are banned in public schools.

Participants and guests said hosting the event in Paris carries symbolic weight, reflecting what they see as a broader shift toward inclusivity and diversity in fashion.

Photo: bbc.com, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

Read also: How Ramadan is reshaping global retail.

Interest in modest fashion continues to grow. Analysts estimate that global spending in the segment could exceed $400 billion in the coming years. The audience is also expanding, as such clothing is increasingly chosen not only for religious reasons but also for comfort and aesthetics.