DUBAI: Following its iconic opening show starring international hijab supermodel Halima Aden, to a talk on the evolution of the abaya from Sheikha Hend Faisal Al-Qassemi, the first Dubai Modest Fashion Week (DMFW) drew to an impressive close this week.
The two-day style event that took place on Dec. 8-9 saw both established and emerging designers from over 20 countries take part in 40 fashion shows, with 50 brand booths, interactive workshops and talks, fashion and art exhibitions, plus 100 celebrities and influencers, gather at the city’s Burj Park to showcase the latest modest fashion trends.
Working toward coining Dubai as a hub for the multi-billion dollar modest retail industry in the Middle East, Sheikha Azza bint Rashid Al-Nuaimi, Mouza Obaid Ghubash, Diana Haddad, and organizers — Modest Fashion Week founders Franka Soeria and Özlem Sahin (Think Fashion) as well as Arif Ebrahim (Red Connect) officially opened the weekend.
Aden, the first Hijabi super model, walked the DMFW catwalk for the opening show, the Modanisa Fashion Show with Rasit Bagzibagli and Muslima Wear. Set within an open-air catwalk beneath the site of the Burj Khalifa, Aden’s fans got to see the international icon in action and get a glimpse of the star quality that has seen her grace the covers of Vogue Arabia and fashion magazines around the world.
Day two kicked off with a jam-packed schedule of shows from Selma Sari by Modanisa, Canadian modest teen brand Yours Truly, modest brand Huw Roman Tokyo and the US’ favorite Fllumae, as well as contemporary ready-to-wear Malaysian label, aere. This was followed by a show from one of modest fashion’s most established names, Kuwaiti brand Anotah.
“We are thrilled with the success of Dubai Modest Fashion Week. This weekend we have welcomed some of the modest fashion industry’s shining stars from around the world to this truly innovative city. With its position as the center for modest fashion in the GCC, this is another step in strengthening the movement’s already burgeoning influence on the mainstream fashion industry,” said Franka Soeria, DMFW co-founder and co-creator of Think Fashion.
Özlem Sahin, DMFW co-founder and co-creator of Think Fashion added: “Our aim with Modest Fashion Week is to engage international and local ground-breaking fashion talents, and to show the world that trendsetting design and modest fashion go hand-in-hand. The past two days have undoubtedly highlighted the diversity and depth of this fast-growing industry and further cemented its influence.”
Dubai’s first ever ‘Modest Fashion Week’ draws to a close
Dubai’s first ever ‘Modest Fashion Week’ draws to a close
Tiffany Trump steps out in Saiid Kobeisy gown
DUBAI: Tiffany Trump is proving to be a fan of Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy’s designs.
This week, Trump’s 31-year-old daughter wore one of his gowns to the Kennedy Center Honors, an annual event held at the White House that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
For the occasion, Tiffany opted for a floor-length emerald-green velvet gown with a sweetheart neckline and long fitted sleeves, cinched at the waist with a slim belt and finished with a thigh-high front slit.
She has previously chosen Kobeisy for other high-profile appearances. In September, Tiffany wore another of his designs to the state banquet held during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, stepping out in a blue quartz couture gown paired with a beaded clutch by the designer. Styled by Toni Breisse, the look was completed with jewelry by Samer Halimeh.
Tiffany is known for her affinity with Lebanese designers; at her 2022 wedding to Lebanese-born businessman Michael Boulos, she donned a custom-made Grecian-style gown by Elie Saab.
Tiffany chose her wedding dress as a nod to Boulos’ heritage. “It’s a Lebanese American wedding, so we were so happy to have Elie Saab create the magic,” said mother of the bride Marla Maples, according to People magazine at the time.
In January, she turned heads in a dress by Zuhair Murad at the Trump-Vance inauguration candlelight dinner, hosted at the National Building Museum in Washington. The custom chocolate-brown chiffon gown boasted an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, and a dramatic cape-like sleeve.
