modest

Bringing Heat: A Men’s Summer Eid Style Guide

February 10, 2019

We've teamed up with Tyler Mallari (@themuslimmale) to put together some Men's fashion inspiration for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr.

With brothers and sisters both taking advantage of these blessed last ten nights of Ramadan and plans being made to celebrate the upcoming holiday with friends and family, the fashion-conscious among us brothers are already getting pumped for showcasing our Eid outfits.

Whether our styles are inspired by the traditional, streetwear, minimalist and other styles or a complete mixing or divergence from them, a lot of us still crave fresh inspiration for flexing our creativity. However, with Eid being smack dab in the middle of summer this year, a lot of our favorite options, such as jubbahs, turbans, djellabas and even chunky footwear, are out the question and one is left to wonder how best to combine the lightweight pieces we have so that we still pull off a creative outfit.

Thankfully, Bahath and I, Tyler (Salman) Mallari of The Muslim Male (@themuslimmale on Instagram) have teamed up to bring you a list of Eid essentials and a few outfits for inspiration for this year’s summer Eid.

Tops

Cotton Thobe

For the brothers who prefer a tailored, minimalist look, the lightweight thobe is a must. Though short-sleeve thobes are also commonplace, they are typically reserved for casual settings within the Arab world and wouldn’t fare well when you’re attempting to stunt on the jamaat during Eid.

Again, choose light colors which will reflect, not absorb, the heat and avoid heavier materials such as polyester and wool. Additionally, go for thobes with a more streamlined fit like these from Al Faizan to avoid looking like you’re swimming in fabric.

Cotton Kurta

(Images: Jabong.com, Trendy Outlook.com, Desi Male Models – Tumblr)

Perfect for lovers of drape who want to add a touch of Desi to their outfit, the cotton kurta is a classic whose variety of patterns and styles can very well reflect the personality of the wearer. Choose plain kurtas for a minimalist appeal, embroidered kurtas for a more royal look and loud patterned kurtas for a youthful edge.

While these are typically paired with traditional shalwar or churidar, I also enjoy pairing them with three-quarter, cotton drop-crotch shorts for an interesting high-low appeal that’s perfect for summer temperatures.

Polo Shirts

(Images: ASOS.com)

For a western touch, select a tailored polo for a look that’s both clean and office-friendly. Again, feel free to go as subtle or bold as you wish and pair with either khaki, grey or colored chinos for an interesting palette and low-vamp loafers for an easy, unfussed look. Another idea would be to pair a polo with an embroidered Yemeni style izar for a bold East-West ensemble.

Kimono

(Images: ASOS.com)

Perhaps the most exciting newcomer to streetwear, the lightweight, short-sleeved kimono is an excellent option for brothers who want the draped effect of a jubbah without the weight and long sleeves. Pair with lightweight chinos for a contrast effect between draping and tailoring or go full drape with either a pair of cotton shalwar, baggy three-quarter or drop crotch shorts.

Longline tee

Though longline tees are indeed the most casual of the tops listed here, I still chose to include them because they are the most summer-friendly and give the effect of a draped kurta while maintaining a modern air. Though they’re typically paired with streetwear staples like baggy jeans and chinos or even athletic shorts, these can also easily be dressed up with a tailored pair of chinos, loafers and a nice watch or can be paired with baggy cotton shorts for an easy, draped ensemble.

Bottoms

Shalwar

(Image: HighSnobiety.com)

Though shalwar (also known as sirwal and sarouel amongst the Arab community) are typically worn under the Pakistani kameez, they can also be worn separately as statement draping pieces, as seen above. Pair with a tailored tee, watch and low-key sneakers for a minimalist streetwear look that showcases the shalwar or with a longline tee and statement footwear for a more bold look.

Lightweight Chino

(Images: ASOS.com)

Tailored chinos add a touch of professionalism to any outfit they’re added to and are the go-to option for brothers who have to dash back to work after Eid prayers. Go for khaki or slate grey for a classic appeal or have fun with pastel hues of pink, yellow, blue and more for a touch of personality.

Three-Quarter Shorts

Well-loved by our brothers in the U.K, the three-quarter short allows breathability whilst maintaining the covering of the awrah. In order to avoid looking like a wannabe footballer, stick to classic colors for a modern appeal that’s part nomad and part street cred.

Yemeni Izar

While the lungi/sarong/izar is typically used within Desi and South-east Asian contexts for casual wear exclusively, the embroidered Yemeni izar (called “maawaz” in Yemen) is used in Yemen for smart casual and even formal attire as well. These intricate statement pieces can be worn by themselves under a longline tee, casual polo or kurta or under a thobe as a lightweight underwear option. Find them online on sites such as Reflections of Iman and Zarinas.

Headwear

Cotton Kufi

A tried and true classic, cotton kufis add a nice minimalist touch to any outfit and add traditional flavor without being overbearing. Go for light colors like white or tan in a more open, loose wave to stave off the heat or rock a bold hue of blue, red or green for a nice pop of color.

(Images: MuslimAmerican.com)

Panama Hat

(Images: ASOS.com)

A virtual unknown in the Muslim fashion scene, the straw fedora hat, or “Panama Hat” adds a touch of class to Western-inspired outfits and makes for a unique ensemble when paired with traditional Eastern pieces such as kurtas and thobes.

Though wide-brim fedoras such as these are typically more suited to those with longer face shapes, short-brim versions (known as “porkpies” or “trillbies) are available for those with shorter faces and of course, any hat in any shape can be carried off well when worn with confidence. It should be noted that because this is more of a statement piece, it’s best to keep the rest of your outfit simple, with very few if any patterns or contrasting lines.

Baseball Caps

(Images: @92ndstore, ASOS.com)

A favourite in the streetwear scene, ballcaps add youth and edge to any outfit they’re paired with. Because of the wide variety of styles they’re available in, it’s completely up to you how loud or minimalist you want yours to be and these caps can be a perfect way to show allegiance to your favorite brands or sports teams.

I personally prefer mine with little to no design or details in order to draw attention to the lines in my outfits and additionally because with my light olive skin tone, bright colors wash me out more than anything.

Footwear

Sandals

(Images: Deep Side Inc.com, Urban Outfitters.com, ASOS.com)

The obvious summer option, sandals are perfect for sliding in and out of the mosque. I personally prefer to wear either streetwear classics like Nike Slides for a low-key casual or minimalist looks or high-quality leather gladiator sandals like the Adidas Y-3 Qasa Sandals or ASOS variety shown above.

Style as you please, though avoid chunky types that will stifle even the cleanest of looks. For the brothers looking for a more ethnic feel, Afghan Chappals can easily be substituted. Remember: The more distinct your sandals, the less of a chance that they’ll be taken by a fellow brother or uncle!

Loafers

(Images: ASOS)

My personal favorites since my high school days. Loafers are an easy sockless option, dress up even the most casual of outfits and give a classy vibe without the stuffiness of laced options like brogues. Wear with Western ensembles for an office-appropriate look or with more traditional outfits for a polished, modern touch that adds structure to an otherwise draped outfit. Brothers who wish to add more flavor can go for embroidered or patterned varieties or substitute with Desi juttis/khussay or Moroccan babouches.

Sneakers

(Images: Adidas.com, Converse.com)

Though it may be tempting to bust out the flashy high tops and chunky sneakers for looks that are more hip-hop or 90’s grunge-inspired, it’s best to keep things low-cut and pastel in warmer temperatures to ensure breathability. Chuck Taylors, Superstars, Vans and more are abundant and the cut and detailing that suits you can even be self-designed if needed!

Accessories

Sunglasses

(Images: Ray-Ban.com, Squaredes Accessoires.com, Women Triangle.com)

Summer style isn’t complete without a sweet pair of shades. Popular, classic styles include the Wayfarer, Clubmaster and Aviator shapes, with the first two being popularized by Ray-Ban since the 1950s. The key here is in choosing lens, frame colors and frame shapes that contour your face well, so be sure to google guides for buying the best sunglasses for your face shape or complexion.

Watch

I’ve always found that a watch brings about a touch of uniqueness to any man’s outfit and that a man’s watch really does say a lot about his personality. Chunky bling or functional types are a no-go these days but just as well, a more minimalist or retro option blends better with a wide variety of outfits. Cheaper but well-made options can be found from companies like Casio and MVMT.

Bracelet

Bracelets are an excellent way to bring a boho feel to your outfit and whether they’re used as statement pieces by themselves or with others, they’re an excellent way to show that you’ve put a tad more thought into your outfit than others. Options abound and range from chunky leather cuffs to minimalist bangles to well-strung rope.

Ring

(Images: Abu Mariam Jewels – Etsy, ETHIA – Etsy, eBay Australia)

Perhaps one of the most forgotten of the sunnahs, rings come in various shades and sizes and will set you apart from the majority of the jamaat, as most men these days are rarely even seen with proper watches.

Make sure that you get your proper ring size checked at the local jeweler to avoid a series of online shipping and returning conundrums.

Outfit Examples

Outfit 1 – The Modern Shalwar Kameez

This is honestly one of my favourite looks of all time, masterfully executed by GQ Fashion Editor Mobolaji Dawodu. This is both classic and bold at the same time and the two keys that are keeping this outfit together are fit and the maintenance of a consistent color palette.

This look would not look polished if his shalwar kameez were untailored or if his Panama hat and shades didn’t’ perfectly compliment his head and face shapes. Additionally, his choice of maintaining a look based on silver and mid-olive is truly a classy choice for summer amidst blinding shades of pinks, yellows and blues and additionally allows him to accessorise a bit with a watch and bangles.

Outfit 2 – The Classy Izar

This is a great example of executing the Yemeni Izars I mentioned earlier. The print used here is of a more subtle pattern and color, in contrast to the usual casual Izars, which are typically printed in more bold colors and patterns. Also notice how he keeps the rest of his outfit simple and in similar shades so as to bring all attention to this beautiful izar.

Outfit 3 – Streetwear and Draping

The most casual outfit featured here, this look blends streetwear and eastern draping influences which would be just as suitable for the mosque as it would for school or even the basketball court.

I personally would alter this a bit and go for a longline tee with short sleeves to maintain more modesty and would also switch our the high tops for more subtle sneakers or sandals.

Outfit 4 – Edgy Kimono

This look is edgy defined. This man is obviously quite confident with himself and his heritage and excellently blends summer pieces amidst a subtle and intricate kimono pattern. While I don’t encourage smoking or the use of such hideous white high socks, I believe that this look demonstrates that with the right amount of confidence, even the boldest of looks can be worn well.

Also notice how he keeps the color palette restricted to similar hues of blues and blacks for a more composed look, as disparate shades of colors with unique pieces would just make for an eyesore.

Outfit 5 – The Polished Khaleeji

A classic ensemble worn by Saudi designer Hatem al-Akeel, this look features a lightweight cotton thobe with a modest amount of tailoring which allows for more movement (a major issue with most thobes).The polished cognac loafers, clean grooming and swept back hair are ultimately what bring this look together.

If even one of these elements were gone (such as if he had unkempt hair or dirty shoes), the look of elegance meant to be showcased by this particular thobe would be lost and the look would seem thoughtless. Another lesson to take from this outfit would be the employment of sandy colors which are perfect for both spring and summer ensembles.

With that awesome list of essentials and outfits, this year’s summer Eid fashion guide for brothers comes to a close. We hope that you’ve gained some awesome outfit inspiration from this post and hope you all have a blessed Eid spent with friends and loved ones insha’Allah!

Author: Tyler Salman Mallari

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Special thanks to Tyler from @themuslimmale on Instagram for collaborating with us on this post. Be sure to follow his account for style inspiration and modest menswear.

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Modest Sportswear Options For The Muslim Woman

September 29, 2018

Social media was abuzz a few weeks ago when it was announced that sporting giant Nike would be releasing their version of a sports hijab. The specially designed garment which had been in development for over a year had been tested by Muslim athletes and is expected to provide a breathable but also practical alternative for Muslim women.

The announcement was hailed as a step forward in the perceptions of Muslim women and with the largest sporting goods company outwardly supporting the hijab it's hoped the ‘Nike hijab’ would open the door for greater participation by Muslimah’s in sports. However, well before the buzz of the Nike hijab, inventive Muslims had already put together their interpretation of modest sportswear. Since Nike is getting all the shine these days we thought we’d put together a list of some of the top modest sports clothes for the active Muslimah.

Veil Hijab

When technology meets modesty. Veil Hijab are the company behind the 'Cool dry shawl' the world's first ever climate-adapting hijab. The company established itself through a successful Kickstarter campaign which raised over $39,000 in 2015. Two years on they have created a great product, providing a waterproof and breathable hijab as well as adding additional apparel to their collection.

It's time for change. Hijab revolutionized. We've created the first ever climate adapting hijab. Cool Dry consists of water-repellent, cooling, and sweat-wic...

The headscarf is made from 100% nylon fabric and is also water-resistant making it a handy purchase even if you're not planning a workout anytime soon. Veil also stock a couple of well-designed outer garments the 'Halo running hoodie' and the 'Spark half zip' in a variety of colours and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. The hoodie comes with a uniquely designed 'stay-in-pace scuba hood' providing stability and additional comfort for runners.

"Designed for coverage, built for performance"

Veil are a standout example of a Muslim-run company taking the initiative and challenging mainstream retailers, balancing style, comfort and performance in a way we often don't see in the Muslim market.

www.veilgarments.com

Haramlak

If you're interested in a swimming session these 'Burkinis' from Spanish based company Haramalak might be of interest. We were lucky enough to be sent two of their products for review and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of material as well as the comfortable fit they provided.

Haramlak carries different variations of the infamous 'Burkini' allowing for each customer to find a design that they would feel comfortable in. When purchasing garments for water based sports activities one of the important considerations is how well they fare under water. The clothing material performed well helping to avoid the heavy drag often created when the material becomes saturated.

"Traditional designs based on Muslim values aimed at giving women the freedom to practice swimming and outdoor sport while maintaining their traditions"

If you're looking for a fashionable but also modest alternative to a swimsuit this would be our first pick.

www.haramlak.com

ASIYA

Coming in at number three it's the Nike hijab, or maybe not? Over a year before the concept of the Nike Hijab, Asiya put together their version of a sports headscarf. Their product comes in three separate designs allowing for various forms of coverage while also utilising specialised material to provide comfort, breathability and ease of use.

The Asiya brand was founded due to the growing need of young Muslim women who wanted to compete in sports but always felt they would compromise their religious and cultural beliefs. Asiya seems to have stepped up to the plate and after a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2016 they have launched their product to the public.

"ASIYA honours and encourages Muslim women of all ages—young girls, tweens, teens, mature women—to experience a new level of confidence, cultural integrity, comfort, and health"

They currently have an opening sale of 40% on various items so be quick if you want to grab a discount!

www.asiyasport.com

MU'MINE

Perhaps the most versatile brand on this list is Mumine activewear. They stock a variety of clothing types including tops, bottoms and Hijabs in a range of styles, colours and fits. The brand balances both modesty as well as ethical considerations as they personally take care of all production. The variety of clothing available allows you to be more specific when purchasing garments allowing you to select an outfit that best suits your demands.

Like most items on this list, Mumine has made use of the latest tech fabrics, mostly using Nylstars MERYL® fabric guaranteeing UV protection, shape retention and a reduction in odour when working out.

"High-performance fabrics ensures your mind is on your workout and not on the clothes you wear. We design activewear that is feminine and on trend with the latest technology, keeping in mind that sustainability and ethical clothing is our top priority"

www.mumineactivewear.com

Islamic Design House

The last company on our list have come up with an interesting concept for workout gear. It's a sports jilbab. Probably not the best option in terms of practicality but the material, as well as design, would be suitable for lighter forms of exercise. Their sports jilbabs are available in both cotton and polyester fabrics and provide full coverage while also maintaining a sporting look.

Islamic design house is not an exclusive sports retailer and they have a variety of other clothing items for sale. A great purchase, just don't turn up to karate practice in this.

islamicdesignhouse.com

write for bahath

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4 Fashion Essentials For The Modern Muslim Man

August 05, 2018

We've teamed up with Instagram account @muslimmanstyle to bring you four must have fashion essentials for the Muslim man.

Thawbs, Dishdashas, Kurtas and Shalwars. Clothing items for Muslim men are often typecasted under traditional clothing styles, fashioned over centuries in adherence to cultural norms and the Prophetic tradition. And quite frankly they look fantastic. The benefit of traditional clothing items like the thawb are that they perfectly fit the requisites for a Muslim man, they are generally loose fitting, not overly extravagant and you won't have to worry about that awkward sujood situation (yup, that one).

However, with a generation of Muslims growing up in the western world there is the reality that our clothing choices will steer towards more contemporary garments. The fashion world isn't too far behind in this regard and as long as garments fit these few Islamic conditions you'll find plenty of items to empty your wallet for. Of course, clothing items can also be of benefit if they help to preserve some sort of Islamic identity, so we've gone ahead and put together four lists of trending clothing items for the modern Muslim man...

(Psst.. click the images in the gallery to visit the clothing websites)

1) TOPS/KAMIS

With extended t-shirts becoming all the rage this past year we'd think kurtas would be a bit more mainstream. Anyhow, a variety of well-tailored Kamees are a useful addition to any wardrobe they provide adequate coverage of relevant 'areas' and are a welcome alternative to full-length Thawbs.

For a more minimalist and tailored vibe, the Subhi Taha and COS collections provide quality at a higher price bracket.

There are also quite a few online retailers stocking longer length body shirts, check out some of our recommendations below..

Shukr.com have a wide variety of more traditional Kamees available in various colours. You can grab one of their pieces for £44.95 and the black 'Ghazi Juba' for £64.95.

KEEP IN MIND

- Keep it simple, block colours go a long way

- Look out for grandad/mandarin collars for a clean finish

- Try shortening your Kurta sleeves and layer with a long sleeve tee

2) TROUSERS

Cropped loose fitting trousers have become increasing popular over the last year, and they also happen to fall in line with a sunnah. There are a few variations available with slight differences in design while still providing that unique look.

Emir store is a French independent clothing company who stock limited amounts of well-designed shirts and trousers. So be sure to be on the lookout for when they restock through their Instagram page.

KEEP IN MIND

- Relaxed or Slim fit trousers that finish mid to low calf

- Go for a stretchy material, to help you with your daily wudhu gymnastics

3) HEADWEAR

Kufis, beanies and the classic hat the perfect way to bring together an outfit. You can switch it up with a variety of designs. Simple colours with minimal design add that personal touch while adhering to another prophetic tradition.

KEEP IN MIND

- Popular at the moment are skull caps and beanies that sit above the ear.

- There are plenty of up and coming companies with their signature Arabic calligraphy caps. So you'll have a variety to choose from.

- Be sure to spin around your cap when going into Sujood to prevent getting knocked out while attempting Sajdah.

4) ACCESSORIES

Add that finishing touch to a complete outfit with these accessories. Combs, Beard oils, bracelets, and shawls are all great ways to add that distinctive factor to your OOTD.

Don't forget to keep the facial hair looking spick and span with a quality brush and the 'miraclous' Argan oil. Body Shop also stock argan oil in a solid form which can make application easier.

Styling points

Layers are your best friend (especially in the winter).

Add the finishing touch to your outfit with a piece of subtle jewellery.

Make sure you have a substantial amount of WHITE SOCKS! (So underrated)

For a casual everyday look go for loose-fitting clothes and for a formal occasion go for slim fitting garments with a structured outer layer.

Special thanks to @muslimmanstyle on Instagram for collaborating with us on this post. Be sure to follow his account for style inspiration and modest menswear.

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Enjoy this Article? Please feel free to share it on your social media, Also don't forget to give us some feedback. We are on FB , Twitter and Instagram.

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Redefining Modest Clothing With Mode-ste | Canada's Homegrown Clothing Store

September 13, 2017

Aicha Chtourou is the founder, CEO and creative director of her Montreal-based company Mode-ste. She started the small clothing company designing and making clothes in 2012 with her mother Hong Taing. It has now successfully expanded and along with her husband Bilal, who deals with PR and marketing, the brand has now grown from strength to strength.

They recently featured on Canada’s Dragons Den and have collaborated with fashion blogger Saufeeya Goodson alongside her TeenVogue feature. Mode-ste has also been featured in Malaysia’s largest newspaper and with The Globe and Mail. Here they give a glimpse into the running and inspiration behind their brand.

Who or what are your main inspirations, and where do you find the most inspiration?

BILAL: I guess, Aicha can probably get into the design aesthetic more, myself, it’s kind of our environment, we were born and raised in Montreal, Canada, so we’re proud Canadians, proud Montrealers. So we draw inspiration from our surroundings and our context, that translates a lot into our garments because the idea is we want to make stuff that is modest and inclusive of all kind of women.

At the same time we wanted to have this western perspective and this western flair, because we’re fashion consumers here, we love Montreal, and we love the aesthetic of North America and Europe. That runs in our blood. We were born and raised here so what we’re trying to do is make clothes that are modest and at the same time have this western aesthetic. So yes, we draw inspiration from our context and our surroundings.

Are there any other designers, artists or people who influence your designs?

AICHA: We look at high fashion, so I’m really into at the moment The Row, I don’t know if your familiar with the Olsen Twins? Their line is something that I really like, over sized clothing.

BILAL: I mean yeah that’s where we draw our inspiration from and some of our influence, because again we’re very into fashion, we’re fashion nerds, we’re always on reddit.com or these kind of places. Off of the top of my head for me, for example, I love Marni and there’s a brand actually here in Montreal, they’ve made it to the world stage and high fashion - they’re called Want, they make luxury handbags, travel accessories, shoes, things like that so you know we kinda draw from multiple places, but we do have our definitive aesthetic that’s who we are, we’re having this mix and match and combining different influences around us to create something that is uniquely ours.

Do you feel that your clothing fits into a certain genre or does it delve into various genres?

BILAL: I think at a basis we are generally more on a minimalist kind of vibe, we don’t like too many embellishments or destroyed sweaters, you know with the holes, rips and stuff like that. Generally we tend to go towards minimalism but at the same time the design aesthetic is that we want to make clothes that are timeless, have a really nice cut and they always encompass different types of proportions or volumes so that you widen that fashion bubble, like fashion is accessible to most women but then there are women who need something more, and so we’re just expanding that fashion bubble, so that anybody can buy our clothes.

What three words would you use to describe your clothing line?

AICHA: Definitely fashion forward, high quality, so made in Canada, we like to focus on that because all of our garments are produced here in Montreal, and you know, for all women, any woman basically.

So how do you balance the quality over quantity?

BILAL: I think our unfair advantage is our consumer, our client is looking for something quality that they can wear more than once. The issue we had was a lot of the time you go to more fast fashion places and you throw it in the wash one time and it’s shrunk in half or there's lots of pilling on the fabric and things like that, so the way we balance is we’re making what our clients are asking for - and the interesting thing about Montreal is that in Canada it's like the fashion hub, so there is lots of room for growth, lots of room for expansion, as we start producing more volume, there’s lots of room in Canada, it is a good place to manufacture and its something that we’re interested in trying to move forward with.

Which piece in the collection was probably the most challenging to create and produce?

BILAL: For myself, it’s probably the Saufeeya collection. The Saufeeya collection we made with Saufeeya Goodson. We made like five different styles, we made them in limited quantities, and all at the same time. Usually, we’re, I would say slow on purpose, like we take time with our collections because we really wanna produce something high end and of good quality and with Saufeeya we wanted to obviously implement that to the next level, really control the production, make it in small batches.

But with that also comes more complications because you’re dealing with lower quantities, you’re dealing with multiple styles at one time and because we had Dragons Den going on at the same time as Saufeeya’s collection - and at the same time getting flown out to Malaysia for our new fashion show, we had been invited there to the opening of a store and launching of our collection in their store, we had many projects being juggled. I’d say just the Saufeeyah collection because a lot of thought, a lot of consideration, a lot of coordination had to go in.

AICHA: I would say the same, absolutely, it was a small period of time where we had to do a lot and Alhamdulillah we were able to have so much barakah in our time, but it was definitely challenging.

How did your opportunity to film Dragon’s Den come about?

BILAL: I’ll give you the short story, we actually had to move cities, I’m an environmental engineer and had gotten a job a few provinces away in Alberta and so I was working there, and me and Aicha we would binge watch Dragons Den on Netflix and eat pizza and we really got into the show, we saw the show, we saw the kind of companies that went on and we saw the American version called Shark Tank, we’ve seen the British version, I know it’s also called Dragons Den in the UK. And so we said, look, there are all these businesses that go on, we have what it takes, we have the product, we have the marketing and we have the numbers so let’s go for it.

Me and Aicha basically both took the plunge and quit our jobs and moved back to Montreal which is our hometown, to focus on Mode-ste full time. I just applied and the application got accepted a couple weeks later, they invited us to do an audition in front of the producers, and then we did the audition - instead of being five/ten minutes like they said it would take, they actually stayed with us for 45 minutes because they were so into our brand. And then from there we got invited a couple weeks later to actually go to the CBC headquarters - that’s like our BBC - they invited us to the CBC headquarters in Toronto and so we drove there with the whole team and pitched there to the Dragons.

Did you at anytime time feel intimidated while you were filming? Were there any challenges that you faced?

AICHA: We watched the show very often, we know the show, so when you watch it on TV it’s very different from actually being there in real life, there’s usually music and a narrator talking but when you get there, walking down the stairs you’re like this is it, you really have to get ready and start talking.

When you see them on TV they sound very nervous and we’re just like 'why are they so nervous?’ but you know we had that same feeling. It was a great experience and at the beginning, you’re a little bit shy but after you’re just really into it - and it’s just a really nice experience.

What did they love most about Mode-ste?

BILAL: To add on to what Aicha said, you’re speaking in front of the five most affluent and most celebrity investors that Canada has to offer so you’re nervous at the beginning and once you break the ice, they’re really cool and really nice so I guess it was different market for them, they had never seen it, and it was very new to them, they were impressed by our numbers and our company in general. They liked us.

Do you feel that your appearance on Dragon’s Den will encourage other Muslims to launch their own businesses, and realise that there is a market?

BILAL: I think the thing that we were shocked with, again, is because we’ve seen pretty much every episode or at least glanced at every episode, in 11 seasons of Dragons Den there’s never been an outwardly Muslim company. Again we don’t say that we’re selling muslim clothing, we’re a modest fashion brand that sells in an inclusive way.

It really the first time ever that there was a modest fashion brand so we’re hoping that a lot of people will take the initiative because it’s an amazing platform. It’s amazing media, it’s amazing exposure and you get a chance to speak to some really influential people.

Can you share one golden piece of advice that your mother has given you?

AICHA: To work hard and to believe in what you’re doing, because my mom has been sewing her entire career. It’s her true passion its what she loves and seeing her work so hard, it really inspires me to continue and drive. Just seeing her, you don’t have to say it, they say actions speak louder than words, and my whole life she has been that kind of woman that has been very strong and very hard working and that just motivates me to work harder everyday.

It’s been a dream to work with my mom, since I was a young child she was actually making my fur coats, I was kind of a doll for her because I was the only daughter, and so she would always make me some clothing and people would always ask her ‘oh where did you guys get this from it’s so cute’ and she would have fun doing that for me. So for me growing up with her making my clothing it was kind of, as they say, meant to be. It has always been a dream for me to work with my mom. We have a very strong relationship, we’re very close and it’s a blessing as well in my religion. Alhamdulillah I’ve been very fortunate.

How has each of you contributed to Mode-ste?

AICHA: I am the creative director behind the designs of the clothing. She is the master seamstress so both of us fit perfectly.

BILAL: Aicha takes care of design, aesthetic, the way the website looks, and really puts the vision in place. We all wear different caps and we wear multiple hats but that’s her general target. For me I'm the director of marketing strategy, I’m working on PR, I’m working on press, I’m working on our Instagram I took it from a few years ago from 5000 to 35000 organic followers and then I work on the branding itself, I help with the aesthetic and aiding design.

Then Danial who is my cousin has a couple stories of how we were able to hire him. He ended up being the best candidate. He takes care of accounting, financials, he’s the guy who can make the numbers look good.

My mother in law is head of quality assurance and she works on samples. Once we perfect those samples we can take them out for production in Montreal. Everybody plays a key part.

What would you say is most enjoyable about what you do?

AICHA: Passion. As I was saying, my mom, she's taught me this passion. When I see her working so hard I see the passion through her. Bilal has always been into fashion, but he had to let go of that and work in his field. Alhamdulillah we had an opportunity where we had the right people in place, so my mom, myself, and Bilal as well.

BILAL: Like Aicha was saying, the best thing about this business is that not only is it a great viable business, it makes money and its expanding, it is also our passion. We’re not savvy entrepreneurs like 'hey! Let's make a business because it makes money' we also really love and enjoy what we’re doing. The fact that we can work long hours and our direct effort is directly correlated to the success of the company, it’s amazing. We don’t have to work for someone and further their goal, you’re working for yourself and that’s probably the best part.

What were some of the major challenges you faced on bringing Mode-ste up on its feet?

BILAL: One of the challenges I would say generally is the amount effort you have to put in, you’re not just doing a 9 to 5 and then waiting for a pay check. The success of what you’re doing depends directly on you. There's more added pressure, but then again that’s actually a positive, if you look at it the other way there’s this pressure to make your baby, or your company grow. I guess that would be a challenge which is a positive in and of itself. Another challenge is just being consistent and persistent, that’s a huge deal in our religion, is to do things with consistency so once you’ve mastered that I feel like you can get anywhere no matter what you’re working on.

Have you any collaborations coming up?

BILAL: We have some that are inshaAllah ready for 2017, which is, inshaAllah going to be a really big year for us with the momentum of Dragons Den and the national press and media, so those we, unfortunately, can't share right now, but what we can say is that we’re a company that is focused on innovation and we want to bring something new to the table, we don’t want to just make nice clothes and take nice photos, we want to make beautiful creative content whether that’s videography or photography or documentaries. We want to work with inspiring people so inshaAllah you can expect a lot from 2017.

Mode-ste ship worldwide and have multiple stockists so be sure to grab yourself a piece!

mode-ste.com

Author: Aaliyah Green

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