It’s not every day that we see influencers inspiring us to break away from the Kardashians’ body image or the narrow beauty standards set within an industry landscape driven by fleeting social media trends. Today, influencers are promoting body positivity and reshaping beauty narratives, particularly for women of colour. Brown women and women of colour are at the forefront of this transformation, challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity. These influencers, unapologetically themselves, are breaking down the stigma associated with weight and redefining beauty standards. Among these voices is Sarah Shafni, an award-winning modest fashion influencer who has become a powerful source of empowerment.
Reflecting on her mission, Sarah says, “Body positivity is about self-love and acceptance, regardless of size or shape. This is especially crucial within modest fashion because it challenges the misconception that this style is limited to a narrow beauty standard.” She emphasizes the need for representation, noting, “When women of all sizes see themselves reflected in fashion campaigns and magazine covers, it sends a powerful message of acceptance and belonging.”
Sarah is passionate about showcasing diversity, especially for women of colour. “The global nature of modest fashion demands celebrating this diversity. Black, brown, and women of all ethnicities deserve to see themselves represented in this space,” she asserts. Her dedication to inclusivity is evident in her collaborations and public appearances, where she continually advocates for a broader range of body types and cultural backgrounds.
In an exclusive interview with Soigné, Sarah Shafni opens up about her journey, inspirations, and aspirations. Through her work, Sarah is redefining what it means to be confident and true to oneself in the modern world.
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a modest fashion influencer?
My love for fashion blossomed at a young age. Growing up Sri Lankan Muslim, modest dressing has always been a part of my upbringing and cultural identity. Witnessing my elder sister’s passion for timeless, elegant pieces further fueled my interest in fashion. However, I often felt disconnected between mainstream trends and my desire to dress modestly. This sparked a fire within me, a desire to showcase that modest fashion can be just as stylish, empowering, and culturally significant as anything else.
I’ve always been inspired by the elegance and grace of iconic royal figures, from Princess Diana to Queen Rania. Their ability to showcase modern and feminine silhouettes while maintaining a sense of dignity has always resonated with me. Their style journey became a guiding light, motivating me to showcase that modest fashion can embody all these qualities too.
Growing up in Dubai, how did the city influence your approach to fashion and modesty?
Being born and raised in Dubai, a city that thrives on cultural exchange, has profoundly influenced my approach to fashion. The city’s vibrant mix of cultures exposed me to a kaleidoscope of diverse styles, each with its own unique story. As a result, I developed a deep appreciation for respecting individual preferences and expressing oneself authentically through clothing. This translates directly into my approach to modest fashion, where I celebrate variety and inclusivity.
I’ve been fortunate to cultivate friendships with people from countless nationalities throughout my life. These friendships further broadened my understanding of global fashion trends and instilled a deep respect for cultural diversity. Interestingly, my transition from the corporate world to the social media sphere has been instrumental in this journey. It allowed me to identify trends showcasing elegance and class and project leadership qualities something I value greatly. Now, I strive to incorporate these elements into my modest fashion advocacy, hoping to inspire others to express their individuality while remaining true to their cultural values.
What does receiving the World Fashion Festival Career Award mean to you, and how has it impacted your career?
Receiving the World Fashion Festival Career Award was an incredibly humbling experience. It wasn’t just the recognition that resonated with me but the validation it offered to my work. Having an esteemed international institution acknowledge my efforts to champion body positivity and inclusivity modestly was truly an honour. It meant a global jury, after researching countless projects, chose to honour the years I’ve dedicated to this cause. This recognition serves as a powerful testament to the journey I’ve undertaken in promoting body positivity and empowering women of all backgrounds through modest fashion. It’s truly humbling and fuels my determination to continue advocating for a more diverse and inclusive industry.
Can you tell us about your collaborations with Turkey Modest Fashion and Dubai Modest Fashion Week? What were some key moments from these experiences?
Collaborating with Turkey Modest Fashion and Dubai Modest Fashion Week was an incredible opportunity! These experiences not only allowed me to connect with a network of talented designers from both regions but also gave me a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of modest fashion across borders. It was truly inspiring to witness the dedication and artistry of these designers and brands. Through my platforms, I had the privilege of showcasing their collections to a global audience, helping bridge the gap between cultures through fashion.
One particularly memorable moment stands out: hosting a segment of Dubai Modest Fashion Week and hosting a talk show with an Indonesian Minister. This unique experience exemplified the global reach and influence of modest fashion, and it solidified my passion for using my platform to celebrate its diversity and cultural significance.
How do you define body positivity, and why is it important to you within the modest fashion industry?
Body positivity is about self-love and acceptance, regardless of size or shape. This is especially crucial within modest fashion because it challenges the misconception that this style is limited to a narrow beauty standard. Unfortunately, even in modest fashion media, we often see a lack of representation for women of all body types. I believe it’s time to showcase the incredible diversity of women who embrace modest dressing, proving that confidence and style can come in all shapes and sizes.
Interestingly, one of the beautiful aspects of modest fashion is its inherent promotion of body positivity. By design, it takes the pressure off revealing clothing and allows women to focus on expressing their style without the anxiety of conforming to unrealistic body ideals. This is another key reason why modest fashion is gaining global popularity it empowers women to celebrate their unique beauty and feel confident in their own skin.
What are some misconceptions about body positivity that you aim to address through your work?
A common misconception is that modest clothing hides your body or limits self-expression. My work revolves around demonstrating that you can embrace your style and flaunt your confidence while dressing modestly. It’s about showcasing individuality. There’s a misconception that modest fashion translates to a limited colour palette or design, but that’s simply not true! The beauty of modest fashion lies in its versatility.
You can explore a vibrant spectrum of colours and patterns while still adhering to your personal preferences for coverage. Another misconception is that modest fashion is exclusive to hijabis. In reality, modest dressing is embraced by women from all walks of life and religious backgrounds. It’s a way to express faith, cultural heritage, or simply a personal style preference. I aim to showcase this beautiful diversity and empower women to embrace modest fashion in a way that feels authentic to them.
In your opinion, how can the modest fashion industry do more to promote body positivity and inclusivity?
The modest fashion industry can do more to promote inclusivity and body positivity. Firstly, showcasing a wider range of body types in campaigns, on runways, and in mainstream media is crucial. Representation matters. When women of all sizes see themselves reflected in fashion campaigns and magazine covers, it sends a powerful message of acceptance and belonging. This needs to extend to featuring women of color as well. The global nature of modest fashion demands celebrating this diversity. Black, brown, and women of all ethnicities deserve to see themselves represented in this space.
Secondly, designers need to expand their size ranges to be more inclusive. Ideally, we’d see a shift towards “all-size” collections that cater to a diverse range of body shapes.
Finally, fostering a strong online community where women can openly discuss body image and self-acceptance is key. This can be done through social media platforms, online forums, or even workshops. Creating a safe space for these conversations empowers women to support each other on their journeys towards self-love and confidence. By implementing these changes, the modest fashion industry can truly live up to its potential of being a space for inclusivity and self-expression for all women.
What are some of your favourite modest fashion brands or designers, and why do you love them?
There are several brands I truly admire, each for their unique qualities! For instance, Talabaya has captured my heart with its impeccable tailoring and ability to create sophisticated yet timeless looks. Their pieces always elevate an outfit and make you feel confident and polished.
On the other hand, Thaseen takes a completely different approach, and I adore their old Hollywood glamour aesthetic. Their flowing gowns and dramatic abayas exude an undeniable elegance and transport you to a bygone era of red-carpet sophistication.
Finally, L’mane offers a more contemporary and modern perspective on modest fashion. I appreciate their commitment to sustainable practices and their curated selection of exclusive designs. Their pieces feel fresh and innovative, making them perfect for the fashion-forward modest dresser.
Can you share a few of your top modest fashion finds and how you style them?
Layering is my love language in modest fashion! It allows for endless creativity and lets me adapt an outfit to different occasions. For a touch of old Hollywood glam, I adore layering a cape over a flowing gown. It adds a dramatic touch and instantly elevates the look.
But layering isn’t just about capes and gowns! I also love incorporating jackets and coats into my outfits for an extra layer of style and warmth. Bomber jackets are a current obsession; their versatility is incredible. One of my favourite ways to style them is over a dress. It’s a cool and unexpected way to add a touch of edge to a feminine piece.
Drawing inspiration from trends is another passion. The Bridgerton era has been a huge source of inspiration for many summer looks. Recently, I found a beautiful romantic floral maxi dress that I love pairing with a denim jacket for a touch of summer brunch chic. Speaking of summer, patterned maxi dresses are another favourite. They’re effortless and chic, perfect for a resort look. But to add a playful twist, I sometimes like to pair a cozy sweatshirt with a tulle skirt. It’s an unexpected combination that’s both comfortable and stylish.
What are you most excited about? Are there any other upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about that you can share with us?
I’m always energised by the opportunity to connect with my audience and empower them through fashion. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how fashion can boost confidence and inspire self-expression. From exciting upcoming collaboration with local and overseas designers focusing on sustainable and size-inclusive modest wear!
Beyond this project, I also have my sights set on some global ambitions! Attending the upcoming International Modest Fashion Week is definitely a goal. These events offer a platform to connect with a wider audience and showcase the incredible diversity of modest fashion from around the world. Additionally, I’m passionate about collaborating with modest fashion brands and curating looks that resonate with my audience. I believe there’s a space for modest fashion to be innovative and trend-setting, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey!
