Paris hosts inaugural Modest Fashion Week showcasing diverse Muslim designer collections

Fri Apr 24 2026 03:20:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A landmark event in Paris highlights inclusive fashion with Muslim designers presenting collections featuring headscarves and long garments, addressing cultural significance in a context of religious attire restrictions.

Paris has marked its first ever Modest Fashion Week, featuring nearly 30 Muslim designers presenting a variety of collections that reflect both cultural identity and modern aesthetics. The event is significant in the context of France's historical restrictions on religious clothing. Designers like Fatou Doucouré and Rukaiya Kamba highlight the evolving landscape of modest fashion, blending tradition with contemporary streetwear influences.

Paris has held its first ever Modest Fashion Week, showcasing nearly 30 designers whose collections include loose, long-cut garments and headscarves. Many Muslim women choose to wear such clothing to align with their religious principles, often covering their arms, legs, and sometimes hair. The significance of hosting this event in France is heightened, given that hijabs and other religious clothing have frequently made headlines and face restrictions in various settings.

Rukaiya Kamba, the creative director of Nigerian brand Flaunt Archive, noted that presenting her collection in Paris came from a very intentional place. Many attendees expressed that the event demonstrates an emerging, more inclusive culture in France.

Located at Hôtel Le Marois, near the Champs-Élysées, the event featured floral and nature-inspired colors. Designers like Hicran Önal from Turkey incorporated romantic themes in her outfits with vibrant blues and pinks. Australian designer Aisa Hassan drew inspiration from nature but highlighted warmer palettes of deep greens and reds. Other designers, like Soutoura, presented nylon, boxy garments influenced by contemporary streetwear.

The market for modest fashion has been expanding rapidly, with global spending projected to surpass $400 billion by next year, appealing not only to Muslim women but also to other religious communities and secular shoppers. Doucouré expressed pride in showcasing her work, reflecting how Muslim women in hijabs can engage fully in society. This fashion event seeks transformation in the perception of modest dress within France's evolving cultural landscape.