Muslim Fashion Weekend Showcases Modesty and Empowerment in Chicago

CHICAGO—Muslim Fashion Weekend, a growing platform for modest fashion, is quickly becoming a cornerstone event in the fashion world, merging faith, empowerment, and style. Led by the dynamic Sister Carmen Muhammad, the 3rd Annual Muslim Fashion Weekend took place from August 30-31 as part of the “Fashion for Peace” initiative. This year’s event, held in the heart of Chicago, was more than just a showcase of fashion—it celebrated identity, diversity, and the unique beauty of modest attire.

As modest fashion gains momentum globally, events like Muslim Fashion Weekend offer an important opportunity for designers, models, and enthusiasts to redefine beauty standards while staying true to their values. This weekend of recognition, elegance, and empowerment left a lasting impact on participants and attendees, demonstrating that modesty is not just an option in fashion, but a statement of pride and identity.

Honoring Women Leaders: Muslim Fashion Weekend

The weekend began with a glamorous Black-Tie Awards Gala on August 30 at the Salaam Restaurant, where 16 incredible women were honored for their leadership, achievements, and dedication to their communities. These women hailed as “Keepers of the Dream,” were recognized for their work across various fields, from agriculture and education to the arts and business.

Among the honorees were Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan and Sister Vivian Muhammad, who received the Farming and Agriculture Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement. Their contributions to the field of agriculture have not only uplifted their communities but have also served as a model of sustainable and ethical practices, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s global economy.

Sister Azziza Muhammad and Sister Abisayo Muhammad were awarded the Women of Substance Phenomenal Helpmeet Award, honoring their selfless service and leadership. Sister Kabasa Muhammad, Sister Dr. Chandra Salaam, and Sister Shahida Muhammad were recognized with the Distinguished Education Award for their pioneering work in education, providing opportunities and guidance to future generations. The arts were also celebrated, with Sister Margaret Mahdi, Sister Akilah Muhammad, and Sister Charline Muhammad receiving recognition for their contributions to entertainment and culture.

The evening also recognized the work of business leaders within the Muslim community, with Sister Lisa R. Muhammad and Sister Aminah Muhammad (also known as Queen Aminah) being honored with the Community Service Outreach Award. Their efforts in business and community service have had a profound impact, offering opportunities for economic growth and leadership for women in their communities.

A particularly touching moment came when Sister Madinah Muhammad expressed her pride in seeing her mother, Sister Lisa R. Muhammad, receive an award. “It is such a blessing to see my mother being honored for such an award. I grew up right beside her, serving the community and helping build relationships for us in the Nation (of Islam) with people of all walks of life,” she told The Final Call.

The evening, hosted by the charismatic Student Minister Jamil Muhammad, was filled with moments of joy and inspiration. Minister Jamil charmed the audience with humor and his appreciation for Sister Carmen Muhammad’s hard work in organizing this event, which has become a hallmark of Muslim Fashion Weekend. The gala also featured a stunning solo performance by Sister Khadijah Y. Muhammad, who praised the growing representation of modest fashion. “Modest fashion is diverse. This event shows that it can be represented in so many beautiful ways,” she said.

Muslim Fashion Weekend Takes the Runway

The highlight of the weekend was the Muslim Fashion Weekend fashion show, held on August 31 at the iconic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. The event featured a breathtaking array of modest fashion designs from a diverse group of designers, each bringing their unique interpretation of modesty to the runway. The designers included Sister Carmen herself, Evetta Petty of Harlem’s Heaven, Queen Aminah, Sister Nisa Islam Muhammad of Orchard Allure Collection, Asiyah Collections, and the Hakeem and Aliyah Collection, among others.

This year’s Muslim Fashion Weekend highlighted the versatility and beauty of modest fashion, featuring designs for women of all ages. From infants and children to teenagers and adults, the runway was a celebration of modest attire for all stages of life. The designs ranged from casual everyday wear to stunning formal gowns, demonstrating that modest fashion is as diverse and multifaceted as the women who wear it.

One of the highlights of the show was the participation of young models, some as young as three years old, who walked the runway with confidence and grace. Among them was five-year-old Sister Imani Siddiqah Muhammad, who stole the show with her enthusiasm. “It was great!” she told The Final Call. “I like how the dresses look; they look pretty!”

The presence of such young on the runway was a powerful reminder that modest fashion is not just for adults—it’s a way of life that can be embraced from a young age. As modest fashion continues to grow, more parents are seeking stylish, modest clothing options for their children, and Muslim Fashion Weekend provided a perfect platform to showcase these designs.

The fashion show also featured a wide variety of styles, from contemporary casual wear to elegant evening gowns. Sister Naeema Muhammad, one of the models, praised the diversity of the designs and the craftsmanship of the garments. “The show was well put together, the designs were up to date and beautiful. I was proud to see such craftsmanship, from Sister Queen Aminah to Akilah’s Closet. It’s wonderful to have a space where Muslim collections can shine.”

A Platform for Emerging Designers

Muslim Fashion Weekend has also become an important platform for emerging designers, offering them the opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience. Sister Jalilah Muhammad, one of the designers featured in the show, expressed her gratitude for the platform that Sister Carmen Muhammad has created. “I think Sister Carmen is amazing in what she’s doing for the M.G.T. (Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class) and sisters everywhere. She’s allowing us to showcase our modest wear to a larger audience. I’m proud to be a part of it,” she said.

Allowing us Queen Aminah is a trailblazer modestly and has been a source of inspiration for many designers within the Muslim community. Sister Jalilamodestlyer’s mother and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan for providing her with the foundation to represent modest fashion with pride and authenticity. Her designs, which combine traditional modesty with modern aesthetics, were a highlight of the event, showcasing the future of modest fashion.

Modest Fashion as a Global Movement

As the modest fashion industry continues to grow, events like Muslim Fashion Weekend play a crucial role in shaping the global conversation around fashion and identity. The industry, which is estimated to be worth billions of dollars globally, is increasingly being recognized by mainstream fashion brands and media. With its emphasis on modesty, inclusivity, and empowerment, Muslim Fashion Weekend is helping to elevate modest fashion to the forefront of the fashion industry.

Sister Carmen Muhammad’s vision for Muslim Fashion Weekend goes beyond just showcasing beautiful clothing. Her mission is to integrate Muslim women into the fashion world and to demonstrate that modesty is a powerful form of beauty. “Modest fashion is more than just covering up; it’s about representing who we are and our values in a world that often doesn’t understand,” she said. “This weekend is about showing the world that modest fashion can be stylish, elegant, and empowering.”

The Future of Muslim Fashion Weekend

With the success of the 3rd Annual Muslim Fashion Weekend, it’s clear that modest fashion is on the rise. As more women embrace modesty without sacrificing style, the industry is evolving to meet their needs. Sister Carmen Muhammad and her team continue to break boundaries, making modest fashion a force to be reckoned with.

Looking ahead, Muslim Fashion Weekend is poised to become an even bigger event in the global fashion calendar. As more designers, models, and influencers embrace the principles of modest fashion, this movement will continue to inspire women around the world to express their identity with confidence and grace. Muslim Fashion Weekend is not just about clothing; it’s a movement that honors faith, celebrates diversity, and empowers women to express themselves with pride.

Muslim Fashion Weekend is setting the stage for a future where modesty and style go hand in hand, proving that fashion can be both empowering and reflective of one’s values.