Chicago Hosts Third Annual Modest Fashion Weekend on August 30-31

The city of Chicago is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the Third Annual Modest Fashion Weekend, a highly anticipated event celebrating the elegance of modest attire and the power of peace. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Drake Hotel, this year’s event on August 31 is themed “Fashion for Peace,” reflecting a commitment to showcasing the beauty of modest fashion while honoring the significant contributions of women in society.

A Legacy of Empowerment of Modest Fashion Weekend

Women Working Together Inc., led by the visionary Sister Carmen Kamilah Abdullah Muhammad, is the driving force behind the Modest Fashion Weekend. Since its launch in October 2023, this initiative has quickly become a premier platform for highlighting modest fashion and recognizing the talents of Muslim designers. Sister Carmen, also the owner of Al-Nisa Designs, has dedicated her career to promoting fashion that respects Islamic principles while demonstrating that modesty can be both beautiful and contemporary.

Sister Carmen’s commitment to modest fashion stems from her broader goal of empowering women through style. “I wanted to return to the essence of what this event represents: celebrating women and showcasing how modest fashion can blend elegance with modernity,” Sister Carmen shared in an interview with The Final Call. “This year’s theme, ‘Fashion for Peace,’ aligns with our mission to highlight Muslim women’s contributions to the fashion world and emphasize the importance of modesty.”

Growing Interest and Impact

The Modest Fashion Weekend has witnessed a remarkable response since its inception. This year, when applications for participation opened in March, the program received over 250 submissions, reflecting a growing interest in modest fashion and the role of Muslim designers. Out of these, 15 exceptional candidates were selected to participate in the event, bringing the total number of participants to 30 since the program’s launch. This significant turnout underscores the increasing demand for expertise in Shariah-compliant fashion and highlights the event’s role in bridging this gap.

Program Highlights and Achievements

The Modest Fashion Weekend features a dynamic program designed to celebrate and advance modest fashion. The centerpiece of the event is a fashion show that will spotlight a diverse range of designers specializing in modest attire. This showcase not only highlights the creativity and innovation within the modest fashion industry but also provides a platform for designers to gain recognition and connect with a broader audience.

In addition to the fashion show, the weekend will include an awards gala on August 30 at Salaam Restaurant, a renowned dining establishment on Chicago’s South Side. This pre-event gathering will feature fine dining, entertainment, and the presentation of awards to distinguished women from the Nation of Islam who have made significant contributions in various fields. The honorees for this year’s event include:

• Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan: The daughter of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, recognized for her influential role within the community and her dedication to promoting Islamic values.
• Sister Kabasa Muhammad: The daughter of Sister Carmen, celebrated for her contributions and involvement in advancing the cause of modest fashion.
• Sister Sajdah Wendy Muhammad: An accomplished entrepreneur and businesswoman, acknowledged for her achievements in the business world and her support for modest fashion.
• Sister Sonya Muhammad: A longtime companion and supporter of Sister Carmen, honored for her unwavering commitment to the modest fashion movement.
• Sister Aminah Muhammad: A talented fashion designer and businesswoman known for her innovative designs and contributions to the industry.
• Sister Margaret Mahdi: A renowned playwright, producer, and director, celebrated for her impactful work in the arts and her support for modest fashion.

Curriculum and Community Engagement

The Modest Fashion Weekend not only celebrates fashion but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. The weekend’s events are designed to bring together individuals who share a passion for modest fashion and support for women’s empowerment. By creating a space where attendees can engage with fashion and connect with like-minded individuals, the event contributes to the broader conversation about modesty and its place in contemporary society.

Sister Sonya Muhammad, one of the awardees from Monroe, Louisiana, expressed her enthusiasm about the event’s impact. “We are working towards fulfilling the vision set by Master Fard Muhammad, which is to honor and cover women,” she explained. “We aim to show that modesty and beauty can coexist and that women can embody both with grace and dignity. This event is a testament to our commitment to that vision.”

Importance of Modest Fashion

Sister Carmen emphasized the broader significance of the Modest Fashion Weekend within the context of the Nation of Islam’s mission and the global modest fashion movement. “We are leading the way modestly,” she said. “By showcasing our unique style and values, we set a powerful example for the world. Our presence and achievements in this field highlight the importance of modesty and its relevance in today’s fashion landscape.”

The Modest Fashion Weekend aligns with the goals of the Capital Market Masterplan 3 (CMP3), which aims to enhance the talent pool and capacity of the Islamic capital market. By focusing on modest fashion and empowering women, the event supports the broader objective of promoting Shariah-compliant finance and showcasing the contributions of Muslim women in various sectors.

As anticipation builds for the Third Annual Modest Fashion Weekend, the event continues to capture the imagination of fashion enthusiasts and community members alike. This year’s celebration promises to be a landmark occasion, underscoring the growing influence of modest fashion and the commitment of Muslim women to advancing the industry.

For those interested in attending or learning more about the Modest Fashion Weekend, tickets and additional information are available on the official website at www.wwtmfw.com or via email at womenworkingtogetherinc@yahoo.com.

As the event approaches, stay tuned for further updates and join the celebration of modest fashion and peace in Chicago this August. The Third Annual Modest Fashion Weekend stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of fashion and the power of modesty in shaping a more inclusive and stylish future.