Modest Fashion: Dubai, Jakarta and Abaya Trends — 2026-10-31
Dubai Fashion Week concluded its Spring/Summer 2027 edition with a focus on regional talent and global collaborations, while Jakarta’s IN2MOTIONFEST solidified Indonesia’s status as a key modest fashion sourcing hub. Meanwhile, the Saudi Fashion Commission announced new growth initiatives, and Fashion Trust Arabia revealed its 2026 finalists, signaling a robust pipeline of emerging designers in the Gulf.
Modest Fashion: Dubai, Jakarta and Abaya Trends — 2026-10-31
Top developments
Dubai Fashion Week Closes with Global Designers and Local Talent
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) for Spring/Summer 2027 concluded on October 26, 2026, at the Dubai Design District (d3). The event featured designers from over 12 countries, including prominent regional names like Yousef Al Jasmi, Sara Pedram, and Pallavi Puri, who showcased on the first day. A significant milestone was the first official runway appearance of the UAE-based label "Honori," marking a growing prominence for local brands on the official schedule. The week ended with a closing look by Maya Diab, wearing a silver ensemble designed by an Indian designer, highlighting the cross-cultural nature of the event.
Indonesia Records 165 Business Deals at IN2MOTIONFEST X JMFW
The Indonesia International Modest Fashion Festival (IN2MOTIONFEST) in partnership with Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week (JMFW) 2026 wrapped up its five-day trade exhibition at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) from October 14–18, 2026. The event recorded 165 business agreements, significantly boosting the export potential of Indonesian modest fashion. The festival engaged 200 designers who presented 1,796 collections, with a strong emphasis on integrating "Wastra Nusantara" (Indonesian traditional textiles) into contemporary modest wear. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Bank Indonesia and the Ministry of Trade to position Indonesia as a global modest fashion hub.
Saudi Fashion Commission Targets Brand Growth
The Saudi Fashion Commission hosted a virtual open session on October 29, 2026, focused on industrial platforms, retail partnerships, and strategies for fashion brand growth. This move aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy through creative industries. The session aimed to provide designers and brands with the tools necessary to expand their reach, reflecting the increasing institutional support for the local fashion ecosystem in Riyadh and beyond.
Fashion Trust Arabia Announces 2026 Finalists
Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) unveiled the 21 finalists for its 2026 awards, with designers set to present their collections to an international jury in Doha on November 28, 2026. The FTA awards are a critical platform for emerging talent in the Middle East and North Africa, offering mentorship and financial support. The announcement underscores the region's commitment to nurturing homegrown design houses that can compete on the global stage.
Local view
Dubai Media Focus on Regional Identity Gulf media outlets, including Emarat Al Youm and Al Bayan, highlighted the innovative designs and the strong presence of Emirati and Arab designers during Dubai Fashion Week. Local coverage emphasized the event's role in showcasing "global visions with creative footprints," noting the successful integration of local heritage with contemporary fashion narratives. The closing ceremony was widely covered, with attention paid to the diverse cultural influences represented on the runway.
Indonesian Media Highlights Export Opportunities Indonesian outlets such as Katadata and Media Indonesia focused on the economic impact of IN2MOTIONFEST X JMFW, reporting on the 112-165 business deals and the strategic collaborations with designers from 10 countries. The coverage stressed the importance of integrating traditional Indonesian textiles (Wastra) into modern modest fashion to compete in the global market. Olenka noted that the event was not just a fashion show but a critical business opportunity for Indonesian exporters.
Context & numbers
- Global Market Size: Global Muslim consumer spending on modest fashion reached approximately $347 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $444 billion by 2029, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report.
- Indonesian Export Growth: Indonesia's modest fashion exports have seen significant growth, with recent data indicating a rise to over $990 million, placing Indonesia among the top seven global exporters.
- Business Agreements: The recent IN2MOTIONFEST X JMFW event recorded between 112 and 165 business agreements, depending on the reporting source, underscoring the trade-focused nature of the festival.
- Designer Participation: The Jakarta event featured 200 designers and 1,796 collections, while Dubai Fashion Week hosted designers from more than 12 countries.
On the radar
- Fashion Trust Arabia Finalists: The 21 finalists for the 2026 FTA awards will present to the jury in Doha on November 28, 2026.
- Nomad Abu Dhabi: The Nomad Abu Dhabi design event is scheduled for November 18–22, 2026, at the Old Abu Dhabi Airport, featuring luxury brands and design collaborations.
- Dubai Design Week: Abwab 2026, part of Dubai Design Week, opens on November 3, 2026, with commissions focusing on Arabic lettering and handmade paper.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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