Modest models: The hijab-clad it-girls you need to follow for serious style advice

With 2 million followers on Instagram, this Arab American is making waves online. (Photo courtesy: @ascia_akf)
Updated 29 March 2017
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Modest models: The hijab-clad it-girls you need to follow for serious style advice

DUBAI: Instagram is a veritable treasure trove of sartorial style advice, full to the brim of fashionistas ready to be followed for inspiration.
However, there is a certain set of style bloggers making a name for themselves as the pioneers of modest fashion – Instagram’s hijab-wearing it-girls.
Read on for a bitesize round-up of these role models of modest fashion.
@summeralbarcha
This US-based style influencer is known for her love of layering and is followed by 379,000 avid fans.

a little pink in your life

A post shared by SUMMER ALBARCHA (@summeralbarcha) on

@hautehijab
Designer and CEO of Haute Hijab Melanie Elturk posts about food, travel and fashion and is followed by 148,000 users.

@heba_jay
This Arab-American fashion blogger posts to her 158,000 followers about everyday outfits anyone can emulate.

@basma_k
This London-based beauty blogger boasts 382,000 followers and has her own unique style.

Weekend vibes

A post shared by Basma K (@basma_k) on

@ascia_akf
With 2 million followers on Instagram, this Arab American has a lot to smile about. Her account features her show-stopping casual style and trips around the world.

Pretty print ting.

A post shared by Ascia AKF (@ascia_akf) on


Bella Hadid embraces rodeo style

Updated 21 December 2025
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Bella Hadid embraces rodeo style

DUBAI: As the National Finals Rodeo took over Las Vegas, it was not just the action in the arena drawing attention. American Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid was in the stands, lending her support to boyfriend and professional horse cutter Adan Banuelos — and doing so in unmistakable Western style.

The model, who has long embraced cowboy aesthetics, returned to full rodeo mode for the event. She wore a vintage-style paisley top paired with a classic, fringe-trimmed leather jacket. Leaning into the look, Hadid layered a second leather piece underneath — a sleeveless vest featuring a heart-shaped cut-out at the back.

Her accessories followed suit. A dark brown cowboy hat, leather riding boots and a printed belt with a statement buckle grounded the outfit, while stacks of silver bangles and rings added a finishing touch.

For another outing at the rodeo, Hadid switched gears with a monochrome ensemble that nodded to bohemian influences. She wore white bootcut trousers with a cream turtleneck beneath a suede fringed duster coat. Beaded necklaces and a medallion-style belt completed the look.

The standout accessory was her vintage Fendi Mama Baguette — the larger iteration of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic bag — rendered in bold leopard print. Hadid wore the ensemble from the arena to the fair, where she was later spotted sharing curly fries with her beau.

The model has been dating Banuelos since October 2023 and regularly supports the star at his various competitions.

Since the two began dating, Banuelos has helped the model — who trained as an equestrian in her youth — find her way back into the saddle, training her and cheering her on at competitions, which eventually led to a Rookie of the Year win last December.

Showing her love and appreciation for her horseman beau at the time, Hadid shared a heartfelt post, where she wrote: “Thank you @ab_performancehorses for supporting me in my dreams this year and never treating me any different. You, your heart, your talent, your family, and your team went above and beyond for us to get this done and I appreciate it more than any of you know!! Love you all so much it hurts!”