DUBAI: A luxury online shopping platform dedicated to modest clothing launched this week as the Middle East’s fashion it-girls took to Instagram to celebrate.
The Dubai and London-based e-commerce shop called The Modist stocks high-end labels such as Alberta Ferretti, Christopher Kane and Mary Katrantzou and is dedicated to modest wear for those who wish to stay covered but stylish.
“Our mission is to build a strong sense of purpose to empower a woman’s freedom of choice and to acknowledge how similar women across the world are — despite our diverse backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles — a relevant conversation at this time,” The Modist’s founder Ghizlan Guenez said in a release.
“We aim to break down pre-conceived notions while building a community and dialogue that invigorates, informs and celebrates the fashionable, modern, modest woman.”
According to the 2015/2016 Global Islamic Economy report, Muslims spent more than $230 billion on apparel in one year, with that number expected to grow to $327 billion by 2020.
“Fashion’s new gaze” is the tagline of The Mod, which aims to “bring you awe-inspiring modest fashion as well as an intimate glimpse into the lives, wardrobes and worlds of the women who are making a difference across the globe,” according to the site’s welcome letter. “Through The Modist and The Mod we are creating a home for women of all ages, cultures and faiths to shift the focus, now more than ever, firmly on the female gaze.”
Fashion bloggers such as Nadya Hasan Alanoud Badr took to Instagram to celebrate the launch, both posing with The Modist shopping bags at various locations.
Luxury online shopping portal for modest wear launches to fanfare
Luxury online shopping portal for modest wear launches to fanfare
Coach taps Elyanna for Spring 2026 campaign
- Chilean Palestinian singer also fronted firm last year
- Star has made a donation to World Food Programme
DUBAI: Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna is fronting yet another campaign for Coach, this time an “Express Your Many Sides” Spring 2026 initiative unfolding exclusively in the Middle East.
Across the campaign images, the focus is placed on the US fashion house’s leather bags, shown in a range of shapes and sizes.
Elyanna is pictured carrying the Tabby 26, distinguished by its structured flap silhouette and signature metal “C” hardware, presented in a warm maple tone.
Other styles include a compact shoulder bag with a curved profile and a larger, softer leather bag designed to sit under the arm. The bags appear in smooth and lightly grained leather finishes, styled in both light and darker colorways.
In the images, Elyanna’s wardrobe is kept understated to complement the accessories. She wears lightweight layers, including fitted long-sleeve tops paired with sleeveless vests and fluid trousers in neutral shades.
She also appears in a sheer, pale green dress layered over a long-sleeve base, patterned with small heart motifs.
Last year, Elyanna was the face of Coach’s Ramadan 2025 campaign. She was seen against a desert-inspired backdrop, styled in pieces that blended contemporary fashion with cultural influences.
The music sensation also carried Coach’s signature handbags, each featuring the gold chain accents.
Elyanna said in a statement: “Working with Coach again felt natural because it’s a brand I love and connect with in terms of lifestyle and expression.
“We’re aligned in our values, and it was great to be a part of it again for another year because it continues to reflect that alignment. I was also able to donate to the World Food Programme through our partnership once more, which means so much to me.”
Elyanna has been normalizing Arabic lyrics in the Western world throughout her career, taking inspiration from artists including Lana Del Ray and Beyonce, as well as Middle Eastern legend Fayrouz.
The Los Angeles-based singer’s music is a mix of Arabic and Western beats, which she attributes to her multicultural upbringing.
Her debut album “Woledto,” released in 2024, featured nine songs: “Woledto,” “Ganeni,” “Calling U,” “Al Sham,” “Mama Eh,” “Kon Nafsak,” “Lel Ya Lel,” “Yabn El Eh” and “Sad in Pali.”
