By Daily Sabah

A Global Platform for Modest Fashion Industry Collaboration

The Modest Fashion and Art Trade Show made its return to Istanbul for its third edition, closing on Nov. 29 as part of Halal Expo 2025. Held from Nov. 26–29 at the IFM Istanbul Expo Center, the event brought together designers, fashion brands, and artists from nine countries, reinforcing Istanbul’s role as a strategic hub for the global modest fashion industry.

The four-day program featured runway shows, panel discussions, exhibitor booths, and an awards ceremony that celebrated creativity and innovation in modest wear. The event was organized by Southeast Asia–based fashion aggregator Markamarie, led by Franka Soeria and Ismail Semin, in partnership with Discover Events and the World Halal Summit.

Strengthening Cross-Border Trade and Cultural Exchange

Following its first Istanbul edition in December 2024 and a smaller showcase in Jakarta in October 2025, the latest event emphasized trade connectivity and cultural collaboration. Industry players from Türkiye, Indonesia, the UAE, the U.K., the U.S., Kazakhstan, Germany, Austria, and Lebanon gathered to explore partnerships and expand their international reach.

A wide range of brands unveiled new collections, representing diverse markets and design approaches. These included Selhaya (U.K.), Al Tatari (Türkiye), SILY The Brand (Indonesia), Terezie (Türkiye), LZ Swim (Austria), Atelier Raushan Almaty’s “Project Grandmothers Who Amazed The World” (Kazakhstan), Jawhara Syari (Indonesia), Praer (U.K.), Byyinks (U.S.), Al Telal (UAE), and Armodia (Türkiye), among others.

Expanding Design Narratives in Modest Wear

Runway presentations highlighted the growing breadth of modest fashion, featuring luxury abayas, minimalist ready-to-wear pieces, activewear, and burkini swim collections. According to the organizers, this variety reflects the industry’s evolving design language and its expanding global consumer base, while also reinforcing commercial opportunities across regions.

Soeria noted that the event aims to reunite modest fashion stakeholders in Istanbul and foster collaboration across borders, enabling brands to scale, trade, and innovate together.

Recognizing Excellence Within the Halal Lifestyle Sector

The Modest Fashion Awards formed a key part of the program, honoring designers and brands that have made significant contributions to the industry. The ceremony was attended by notable fashion figures from Europe and the Middle East, including Selma Lebdiri and Amina Ben Bouzid from Germany, Lebanon’s Hala Absi, and Egyptian designer Radwa Galal.

Hosted within Halal Expo 2025 and alongside the World Halal Summit, the trade show underscored the rising commercial and cultural significance of modest fashion within the broader halal lifestyle economy. Organizers emphasized that this integration highlights modest fashion’s growing influence as both a creative industry and a driver of halal-oriented global trade.

Original Article:

Tilmaç, B. (2025). Halal Expo 2025 hosts modest fashion & art trade show in Istanbul. Daily Sabah. https://www.dailysabah.com/life/fashion/halal-expo-2025-hosts-modest-fashion-art-trade-show-in-istanbul/