One year after the Australian city’s first mainstream modest runway show took place during Melbourne Fashion Week, it returned in a digital format.
The show, which was a collaboration between Modest Fashion Runways and Melbourne Fashion Week, live-streamed the designs of some of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming modestwear brands on Saturday, November 28.
"Due to Covid-19, we are rapidly progressing to a virtual world," Yusuf Liban, Modest Fashion Runways director, tells The National. "There are many advantages of a digital show. The fact that the shows are easily accessible widens our platform and allows designers to connect with potential global clients and buyers." He says Australia is one of the leading markets for modest fashion: "Most of the world's biggest modest fashion players are Australian."
Personalities such as Nawal Sari, famous for her creative scarf-tying techniques, and Yasmin Jay, the hijab-wearing blogger and eveningwear designer who made an appearance at Dubai Modest Fashion Week last year, were also a part of Melbourne Fashion Week, which shone a spotlight on these six modestwear brands.
Dusty Pink
A contemporary princess theme with unmistakable Turkish influences runs through the designs of New South Wales brand Dusty Pink, which targets women seeking beautiful modestwear that isn't over the top.
"The Dusty Pink aesthetic is classic yet chic. Our customers include the everyday woman, the working mum, the influencer and the plus-size woman," says designer Christine Eljamal. At Melbourne Fashion Week, tiered dresses and skirts, and elegant, belted gowns with draped bodices appeared on "stage" in primary colours.
The brand also showcased its knack for reimagining feminine silhouettes in practical textiles such as denim, with its creation of tiered maxi dresses with high-neck collars and zip-down, floor-length abaya-like coats.
Azya Swim
Describing itself as a sustainable and multifunctional full-coverage swimwear label, Azya Swim offers designs that are both versatile and elegant, to the extent that they could transition from beach to brunch. At this year’s show, one-piece designs in shades of mauve, olive and black featured high necklines and were paired with high-waisted, sarong-style maxi skirts and swim-friendly turbans.
"Our signature sustainable techno-fabric combined with feminine minimalist designs allows the wearer to use the garments for both water and movement activities," co-founder Marina Ishak tells The National. "And our swimwear also effortlessly crosses over into ready-to-wear once paired with existing wardrobes."
The showstopping look was a black swim-dress brought to life with voluminous, leg-of-mutton-style sleeves, which featured an enchanting dark floral pattern also used in some of the swimsuits. While paired with swim leggings at this runway show, it wouldn't look out of place at an elegant dinner party.
Hijab House
Leading Australian modestwear brand Hijab House presented a collection of classic and easy-to-wear silhouettes with thoughtful detailing and a bohemian flair.
“The collection is inspired by European resortwear as well as some early 1990s denim pieces we found in fashion archives. It offers an alternative to the common modest dress,” says chief executive Tarik Houchar.
A white A-line dress was a picture of simplicity, save for the addition of subtle, ruched shoulders, while drop-waist dresses were finished with floor-length hems. A denim, button-down maxi skirt was paired with a long, white blouse, which was worn half untucked, making a cool and casual sartorial statement.
MaryMak
This Aussie modestwear label combines feminine flounce with casual, effortless ease. For its fashion week edit, shirt dresses featured Victorian influences, and pencil skirts paired with peplum tops made a fine argument for the next big trend in modest fashion.
“We go for flattering and modest silhouettes such as A-line dresses and skirts. This season we have extended our range to include jumpsuits and straight-cut dresses,” says designer Maryam.
The brand’s real strength, however, lies in putting creative twists on its matching sets made up of tunics and wide-leg pants, creating practical fashion for women who seek streamlined and sophisticated comfort.
Praer
Modest fashion for men is an up-and-coming market, and Praer seeks to debunk the myth that modesty is only for women. The brand's edgy, streetwear-inspired ensembles for both men and women focused on silhouette, texture and pattern, without any visible logos, reflecting its "anti-brand" ideology.
“Modest menswear is for men who would like to observe modesty, no more, no less," says designer Ilyas Morrison. "You are not required to fall under a religious or cultural label, ethnic background, colour or creed. We are living in a time where the social pressures on men from all walks of life are almost entirely overlooked and yet we are witnessing a wave of mental health concerns.”
“Modest menswear provides the same empowerment, confidence and protection we hear from our female counterparts and, with enough flavour and creativity, promotes an aesthetic that is easy on the heart as well as the eyes.” Praer’s designs will be available to pre-order from January 2021.
Jamela Boutique
There are a number of headwear trends that influence hijab styles, from turbans and bucket hats to even baseball caps layered underneath headscarves. Jamela Boutique specialises in a different style of topper – one that suits the sunny climate of Australia, and is a stylish accompaniment to modestwear looks.
“Our hats have a mould size and design specifically for women who wear hijabs and head coverings, while offering protection from the sun,” says founder Seher Istar.
The handcrafted straw and raffia designs appeared on the runway in wide-brimmed boater, garden and floppy styles, instantly elevating summer dresses and linen suits. Whether they’re worn at the beach or at a picnic in the park – which has become a popular pandemic pastime of the fashion crowd – these hats are sure to turn heads.
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Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt
Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
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'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Who is Allegra Stratton?
- Previously worked at The Guardian, BBC’s Newsnight programme and ITV News
- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
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BIOSAFETY LABS SECURITY LEVELS
Biosafety Level 1
The lowest safety level. These labs work with viruses that are minimal risk to humans.
Hand washing is required on entry and exit and potentially infectious material decontaminated with bleach before thrown away.
Must have a lock. Access limited. Lab does not need to be isolated from other buildings.
Used as teaching spaces.
Study microorganisms such as Staphylococcus which causes food poisoning.
Biosafety Level 2
These labs deal with pathogens that can be harmful to people and the environment such as Hepatitis, HIV and salmonella.
Working in Level 2 requires special training in handling pathogenic agents.
Extra safety and security precautions are taken in addition to those at Level 1
Biosafety Level 3
These labs contain material that can be lethal if inhaled. This includes SARS coronavirus, MERS, and yellow fever.
Significant extra precautions are taken with staff given specific immunisations when dealing with certain diseases.
Infectious material is examined in a biological safety cabinet.
Personnel must wear protective gowns that must be discarded or decontaminated after use.
Strict safety and handling procedures are in place. There must be double entrances to the building and they must contain self-closing doors to reduce risk of pathogen aerosols escaping.
Windows must be sealed. Air from must be filtered before it can be recirculated.
Biosafety Level 4
The highest level for biosafety precautions. Scientist work with highly dangerous diseases that have no vaccine or cure.
All material must be decontaminated.
Personnel must wear a positive pressure suit for protection. On leaving the lab this must pass through decontamination shower before they have a personal shower.
Entry is severely restricted to trained and authorised personnel. All entries are recorded.
Entrance must be via airlocks.
MATCH INFO
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Primera Liga fixtures (all times UAE: 4 GMT)
Friday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (10.15pm)
Real Betis v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Saturday
Alaves v Barcelona (8.15pm)
Levante v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm)
Girona v Malaga (10.15pm)
Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (12.15am)
Sunday
Espanyol v Leganes (8.15pm)
Eibar v Athletic Bilbao (8.15pm)
Getafe v Sevilla (10.15pm)
Real Madrid v Valencia (10.15pm)
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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Australia tour of Pakistan
March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi
March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi
March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore
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April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi
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18
This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens
450,000
More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps
1.5 million
There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m
73
The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association
18,000
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77,400
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To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
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- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
