Headscarf with a Beret: Muslim Designers Showcase Floral Dresses and Boxy Streetwear in Paris
Paris has made history by hosting its first-ever Modest Fashion Week, featuring nearly 30 innovative designers presenting collections that embrace loose, long-cut garments and headscarves. This vibrant showcase reflects the fashion choices of many Muslim women, in alignment with their religious principles, emphasizing modesty by covering arms, legs, and hair.
A Cultural Statement in Paris
The significance of this event held in France cannot be overstated, especially given the country’s history of restrictions on hijabs and religious attire. Creative director Rukaiya Kamba of Nigerian brand Flaunt Archive shared that the decision to debut her collection here stemmed from a very intentional place. Young attendees voiced their feelings of empowerment, expressing that the event marked a step toward a more inclusive French culture.
Paris: A Leading Modest Fashion Capital
With an estimated 5-7.5 million Muslims residing in France, Özlem Şahin, head of the organization behind Modest Fashion Week, hailed Paris as one of the leading modest fashion capitals in Europe. The event took place at Hôtel Le Marois, a stunning mansion located just off the Champs-Élysées, where nature-inspired hues and floral designs flourished on the runway.
– Hicran Önal, founder of Turkey-based brand Miha, captivated attendees with a romantic collection featuring printed floral tulle dresses in tranquil shades of teal and vibrant pinks.
– Nada Puspita, an Indonesian designer, showcased cleaner lines with harmonious color palettes.
– Aisa Hassan, designer behind Australian brand Asiyam, drew inspiration from nature, presenting deeper greens and earthy reds. Her designs were distinctively accessorized with a bucket hat that nods to her Aussie roots.
Evolving Aesthetics: From Romantic to Sporty
The soft aesthetics of Hassan’s collection contrasted sharply with the sporty streetwear dominating the runway.
– French brands Soutoura and Nour Turbans presented boxy, black, jewel-toned garments that reflect Gen Z streetwear trends, mirroring the modest fashion embraced by sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas.
– Nour Turbans went a step further by styling models with a beret over their headscarves, creating a chic fusion of traditional and contemporary styles.
Growing Market for Modest Fashion
The market for modest fashion has seen explosive growth over the past decade, with global consumer spending projected to surpass $400 billion by next year, according to DinarStandard. Initially tailored for Muslim women, this industry is expanding its appeal to various religious communities and secular shoppers.
Fatou Doucouré, founder and creative director of Soutoura, expressed her pride in showcasing her collection in Paris, a city where she felt constrained by her hijab in the past. With the historical ban on religious symbols in state-run schools and recent restrictions on abayas, Doucouré believes this event illustrates the empowerment of Muslim women in contemporary society.
Challenges and Triumphs
While models showcased diverse looks, including burkinis from Turkish swimwear brand Mayovera—garments covering everything except the face, hands, and feet—these designs face limitations. Burkinis remain banned in most public swimming pools in France, though they are permitted on beaches.
A young attendee of Malian descent shared her joy, reflecting on past discrimination due to her headscarf. The presence of international designers in Paris filled her with hope, making her feel like she never wanted to leave France. Another observer noted a shift in public perception, feeling that the hijab was no longer at the political forefront, allowing for a richer dialogue about identity and culture.
Conclusion: A New Era for Modest Fashion
The success of Paris’s Modest Fashion Week showcases the evolution of style and acceptance, where a headscarf paired with a beret symbolizes not only fashion choices but a broader cultural narrative. As Muslim designers continue to innovate, they pave the way for a more inclusive future in the fashion industry, illustrating that modesty can most certainly coexist with modernity.