Modest Fashion: Dubai, Jakarta and Abaya Trends — 2026-10-18
Dubai Fashion Week returns to Dubai Design District this week (Oct 22–26) with Spring/Summer 2027 collections, while Riyadh Fashion Week has been postponed to 2027. In Indonesia, the government and Bank Indonesia are aggressively promoting modest fashion exports through IN2MOTIONFEST and ISEF 2026, citing a projected global market value of $444 billion by 2029.
Modest Fashion: Dubai, Jakarta and Abaya Trends — 2026-10-18
Top developments
Dubai Fashion Week 2027 Launches Amid Regional Context
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) returns to Dubai Design District (d3) from October 22 to 26, 2026, unveiling its Spring/Summer 2027 program. The event aims to bridge local designers with international buyers, featuring participants like Yousef Al Jasmi and Tarun Tahiliani. Organizers emphasized the event's role in connecting the public and global luxury market despite regional tensions, positioning Dubai as a central hub for modest fashion commerce.
Riyadh Fashion Week Postponed to 2027
In a significant shift for the Saudi fashion calendar, organizers announced the postponement of the 4th edition of Riyadh Fashion Week from its scheduled October 2026 dates to 2027. The event, originally planned for October 15–20, was intended to showcase Saudi and international designers. This delay impacts the immediate visibility of Saudi modest wear brands who were preparing for this key regional platform.
Indonesia Pushes for Global Modest Fashion Hub Status
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso reaffirmed commitments to expanding the domestic modest fashion industry into international markets. This push is supported by Bank Indonesia’s facilitation of local SMEs (UMKM) through events like IN2MOTIONFEST 2026 and ISEF 2026. The government highlights Indonesia’s unique advantage in "wastra" (traditional textiles) and cultural diversity as key differentiators in the global market.
Global Market Projected to Hit $444 Billion by 2029
Recent reports cited by Indonesian media and global analysts project Muslim consumer spending on clothing and footwear to reach US$444 billion by 2029, up from US$347 billion in 2024. This 5.1% CAGR underscores the urgency for brands in both the Gulf and Indonesia to capture market share. The growth is driven by increasing demand for modest wear that combines traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.
Local view
Indonesian Media Focus on Textile Heritage Local outlets like Harian Jogja and Bisnis.com are framing modest fashion not just as apparel but as a vehicle for exporting Indonesian cultural assets, specifically "wastra" (woven textiles). They argue that Indonesia’s competitive edge lies in unique design narratives and sustainable practices, rather than just volume.
Gulf Press Emphasizes Dubai's Resilience Arabic media outlets such as Emarat Al Youm and Al Khaleej highlight Dubai Fashion Week's return as a sign of stability and continued leadership in the sector. The coverage focuses on the diversity of designers participating in the SS27 season, reinforcing Dubai's role as a global meeting point for modest fashion buyers and creators.
Context & numbers
- Global Market Size: US$347 billion in 2024, projected to reach US$444 billion by 2029 (5.1% CAGR).
- Indonesian Exports: Fashion product exports grew by 4.56% to US$6.5 billion (IDR 108.5 trillion) in Jan–Sept 2025, with modest fashion being a key driver.
- Event Dates: Dubai Fashion Week: Oct 22–26, 2026. Dubai Design Week: Nov 3–8, 2026. Riyadh Fashion Week: Postponed to 2027.
On the radar
- IN2MOTIONFEST 2026 & JMFW: Currently ongoing in Jakarta, this joint event is showcasing local brands like Kalisha (Tasikmalaya) and Riau-based designers using local tenun (woven fabric) to target export markets.
- Dubai Design Week: Following the fashion week, Dubai Design Week kicks off November 3–8, potentially featuring more modest fashion installations and designer collaborations.
- Riyadh Fashion Week 2027: Industry stakeholders are waiting for new dates and a revised lineup for the postponed Saudi event, which is critical for the Kingdom's Vision 2030 fashion goals.
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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