Paris hosts its first 'Modest Fashion Week', putting hijab-friendly design on global stage

Paris held its first Modest Fashion Week at Hôtel Le Marois, where about 30 designers presented collections built around relaxed silhouettes, extended hemlines, and a wide range of headscarf styles.

The showcase highlighted clothing designed with modesty in mind, particularly styles suited to hijab-wearing women and those who prefer garments that align with faith-based or personal choices such as covering the arms, legs, and the hair.

For Rukaiya Kamba, creative director of Nigerian label Flaunt Archive, bringing her work to Paris was a purposeful choice. She described the move as intentional, reflecting a desire to position modest fashion within a global style capital.

Visitors at the event told the BBC they sensed a shift toward greater cultural openness in France, home to millions of Muslims.

Long, flowy dresses on the runway. Photo: Rooful Ali

Event organiser Özlem Şahin pointed to Paris’s growing reputation, calling it one of Europe’s key hubs for modest fashion.

With the venue just off the Champs-Élysées, many collections drew from nature, incorporating soft florals, earthy palettes, and organic textures.

Turkish designer Hicran Önal of Miha and Indonesia’s Nada Puspita leaned into romantic themes, showcasing floral dresses and blush tones. Meanwhile, Aisa Hassan of Australian brand Asiyam introduced richer shades and autumnal reds, hinting at her Aussie heritage.

Hicran Önal's "romantic" dresses. Photo: Rooful Ali

Warmer hues by Australian designer Aisa Hassan. Photo: Rooful Ali

French brands Soutoura and Nour Turbans offered a more urban perspective, presenting structured, monochrome looks influenced by Gen Z streetwear. Their collections nodded to the visual language of major sportswear labels like Adidas and Nike, while incorporating headwear as a central design element.

Nour Turban's collection shows the headscarf. Photo: Rooful Ali

Boxy streetwear by Soutoura. Photo: Rooful Ali

The programme also included Turkish swimwear label Mayovera, which presented burkinis; full-coverage swimwear designed to leave only the face, hands, and feet visible.

Burkinis on the runway. Photo: ThinkFashion

Soutoura’s founder Fatou Doucouré shared that the event carried personal meaning. She spoke candidly about past challenges wearing the headscarf in France, yet described the event as “empowering”.

Debates around religious dress remain a sensitive topic in France, where headscarves and abayas are restricted in schools and workplaces.