MODESTY C O N T E M P O R A R Y ART A N D C U L T U R E
ISSUE NO.1 SPRING . SUMMER 2016
Model - Z U B I A R S H A D Photography - S C O T T S A L T Styling & Direction - M H A I R I M C D O W A L L
CONTENTS Page 03 - Modest Fashion Editorial Page 05 - Aab Interview Page 06 - Modest Fashion Editotial Page 07 - Art Space Exhibition Page 08 - Modest Fashion Editotial Page 09 - Faraz Manan Page 10 - Maria B Page 11 - Modest Fashion Editotial Page 12 - Buying Guide Page 14 - Modest Fashion Editotial Page 15 - Islamic Design House Interview Page 16 - Modest Fashion Editotial Page 17 - MoMA Exhibition Page 18 - Modest Fashion Editotial Page 19 - Stockists
FASHION
This editorial explores what Modest Fashion is for young Muslim women who want to be fashionable and follow their faith.
“Hello, my name is Zubi. I am a Fashion Student studying in England and I am going to talk to you about Modest Fashion�
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FASHION
“It can be considered inappropriate or immodest to reveal certain parts of the body”
MODESTY
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INTERVIEW
NAZMIN ALIM
I am the creative director of Aab. My job is to work on designs with my partner Fatima Ahmed and I also manage the creative content of our business. Why did this area of work interest you? I have always aspired to run my own business, with a natural love for beautiful clothes, I set out to create items that were not readily available in the market. What do you find most satisfying about your job role at Aab?
AAB
I like to be in control of what I do, running my own business allows me the flexibility to manage my work - load around my personal life. The most satisfying part is to see our designs come to life and worn by our customers. What challenges have you encountered whilst working at Aab? As a fast growing business, the challenge has been to juggle several things at any one time. Each day has a different agenda and keeping on top of everything can be quite a challenge at times. Please describe an exciting project/task you are currently working on. We are currently working on a series of videos that will be great for our followers, I can’t give too much away at the moment but details will be revealed very soon. In your opinion, what three words best describe Aab? Contemporary, refined, elegant.
AAB Aabcollection.com Facebook.com/aabcollection Twitter.com/aabcollection Instagram.com/aabcollection
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CONTEMPORARY MODEST WEAR
What is your specific job title at Aab and what does this role include?
FASHION
“The term hijab in Arabic literally means ‘a screen or curtain’ and is used in the Qur’an to refer to a partition”
MODESTY
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EXHIBITION
ART SPACE
NOW ON VIEW
HUSSEIN MADI
ART SPACE Gate Village Building 3 Dubai, UAE artspace-dubai.com
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FASHION
“Some people dress modestly as a fashion statement. Others wear it to show their faith”
MODESTY
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DESIGNERS
FARAZ MANAN Faraz Manan is a Pakistani fashion designer known for his creative imagination and insights in the world of fashion. He is often refered to as the King of Embellishment as he designs dazzling luxury, bridal and lawn garments.
K I N G OF E M B E L L I S H M E N T
Over the years, Manan has made a statement not only with his long flowing bridal garments, but also with dresses, shorter statement outfits for women with his signature cigarette pants, and menswear. “I take inspiration from travel, art and history, and make a mood board. After that, my team works on sketching, designing and making sample pieces, which is the first phase. In the last two months, we go into production, fine tuning the placement of embroidery, embellishments, fabrics and crystals on the outfits�. 09
DESIGNERS
MARIA B Maria B is a designer from Pakistan, providing multiple ranges of affordable clothing for women. The brand was launched 14 years ago with a vision to revolutionise and make accessible, women’s retail in Pakistan.
Maria B is one of Pakistan’s most diverse designer brand with prêt a porter, couture, formal wear, lawn, embroidered fabrics and cottons all within one affordable label. The clothing can be bought in 25 standalone outlets in 12 different cities across the country, whilst also exporting to detstinations including India, UK, USA, Bangladesh, UAE and Qatar.
MODESTY
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FASHION
“Modest fashion means to me, being able to express my personality through fashion whilst still sticking to the guidelines of my faith�
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ENDORSEMENT
Golu Khan is an international fashion designer based in Birmingham, England. Specialising in beautiful embellished occasion wear. Clothing available by appointment only. @Goludesigner
THE BUYING GUIDE
Stratford Road Birmingham, B11 4AE 07966613469 / 00447966613469
Deeya Jewellery operates in Scotland and London and specialises in high quality bridal jewelley, in particular, kundan and polki bridal sets. Deeya aims to provide beautiful jewellery that will enhance a brides look. They believe that jewelley can be as important as the garment for bridal wear. The team work closely with their customers and are able to customise the majority of their jewellery to meet the brides requirements, with no additonal cost. Consultations can be booked via the website. @Deeyajewellery Deeya.co.uk 00447545228167 / 00447459865189
MODESTY
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ENDORSEMENT
SHOPPING
JewelsnGems by Fozia Ashraaf is a UK - based brand selling handcrafted, contemporary heritage jewels. Types of jewels include Swarovski, Kundan, Antique, Precious Stones and Pearls. JewelsnGems claim that 80% of their client base are returning customers - which must be a good sign! @Jewels_gems info@jewelngem.com 07803351111
Made to measure outfits are also available by appointment. @Noorsndg 15 Rushton Avenue, Bradford, BD3 8JW 07834376832
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INSTA-SHOP
Noors is a designer boutique based in Bradford, England. Noors sells bridal wear, formal suits and causal outfits.
FASHION
“Social media helps me to shop modestly. In particular, Instagram is a great way to find outfit inspiration through Fashion Bloggers. In England, I find it very difficult to shop modestly, as there are not many options available, compared to countries like Saudi Arabia and Dubai�
MODESTY
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INTERVIEW
ASTHA LAMA
What is your specific job title at Islamic Design House and what does this role include?
Why does this area of work interest you? This area of work interested me because it is very creative and the content I create is at the forefront of the business as the advertisement. I enjoy being able to communicate with creativity. What do you find most satisfying about your job role at Islamic Design House? The most satisfying aspect of my role is seeing the work I have created go live. As a graphic designer, I work from initial research to the end product. What challenges have you encountered whilst working at Islamic Design House? At the Islamic Design House we work at a very fast pace and short deadlines. This can sometimes be challenging and requires attention to deatil and great communication skills. Please describe an exciting project/task you are currently working on. Design interpretation with mixed media In your opinion, what three words best describe Islamic Design House? Faith, Fun, Fashion!
ISLAMIC DESIGN HOUSE Islamicdesignhouse.com Facebook.com/IslamicDesignHouse.Global Twitter.com/islamicdesign
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FAITH, FUN & FASHION
ISLAMIC DESIGN HOUSE
I am the graphic designer for Islamic Design House. My role includes image editing / creating banners, posters, social media posts and catalogs.
FASHION
“Modest fashion is innovative”
MODESTY
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EXHIBITION
MOMA
NOW ON VIEW
MARCEL BROODTHAERS
MOMA 11 West 53 Street New York, US moma.org
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CREDITS
Pink outfit - clothing by Faika Karim Gold outfit - clothing by Desire Collections All jewellery by Laadli Jewellery Shoes by Monsoon
MODESTY
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STOCKISTS Desire Collections 10 The Broadway, Southall UB1 1PS 020 8867 9524 Deeya Deeya.co.uk 00447545228167 Faika Karim Faikakarim.com 912 Leeds Rd, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD3 8EZ, UK 01274661007 Faraz Manan Farazmanan.com Villa 10, Al Goze Complex, Al Athar Street, Jumeirah 3, Dubai JewelsnGems info@jewelngem.com 07803351111 Golu Khan Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4AE 07966613469 Laadli Jewellery @Laadliexclusive_official 115 White Abbey Rd, Bradford BD8 8DR 01274 229442 Maria B Mariab.ae 00923211224333 Monsoon Monsoon.co.uk 0844 811 0068 Noors 15 Rushton Avenue, Bradford, BD3 8JW 07834376832
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BY MHAIRI MCDOWALL