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The Philippines has been importing modest fashion brands for years while its own label has only recently begun to gain traction. A modest fashion show that opened on Wednesday (June 30) wanted to show what Filipinos are capable of.
“We are all aware that modest clothing is not a new concept,” Modest Fashion Manila organizer Joean “Iman” Montayre told Salaam Gateway.
“But for us Filipino Muslims to manufacture our own products and develop a clothing brand that caters to a modest population gained popularity and momentum only three years ago,” said the founder of Modest Fashion Designers Production.
The Philippines is about 86% Catholic but has a sizeable 5-6% Muslim population, equivalent to about 6-7 million. Modest clothing, Joean points out, is not exclusive to Muslims.
Thanks to the coronavirus restrictions, everyone will have a seat in FROW (that’s the front row of fashion) as the show will be broadcast via MFDP’s YouTube channel.
The line-up consists of seven brands from the Philippines, and to attract more international attention, names from other countries will also appear on the virtual catwalk. They included one from Afghanistan, two from Indonesia, one from Italy, one from Nigeria, and two from South Africa. Each designer will show a minimum of ten looks.
Roshan Isaacs, regional director of the Council of Modest Fashion AFRICA and owner of No Memo Ethical Jewelery, is a mentor to designers from Africa.
The Cape Town-based entrepreneur told Salaam Gateway he wants to be part of Modest Fashion Manila to support the Philippines’ burgeoning modest fashion industry and to help connect it with the global community.
Simple Filipino clothing, said Roshan, will display its own style. “Although I have not had the opportunity to investigate or research opportunities, I am aware of the rich heritage, historical influences, personal preferences over the years, traditional fabrics, and skilled beads, which have been passed down from generation to generation, which inspire local designers to create incorporate it into their modern design,” said Roshan.
“I believe the Philippines are now claiming their place as a country that also has offerings, interest and presence in the modest fashion design sector,” he added.
Reference: SalaamGateway.com
