The value of something is often understood most deeply in its absence. Growing up in a South Asian community, I was surrounded by a world rich in culture, resilience, and tradition. But like women across the globe, I always felt the weight of societal expectations—ones that shaped how we dressed, moved, and expressed ourselves. These limitations, though challenging, can teach one the transformative power of representation and the importance of creating spaces where every woman can freely be herself. It’s this very vision that drives Soigné and this issue.
When I moved to the Middle East, it was like seeing life through a new lens—a region where tradition coexists with progress in ways that constantly inspire. Working in fashion, especially, puts you at the heart of a revolution where you witness the remarkable efforts being made toward women’s empowerment every day.
Yet, even in this fast-paced and progressive arena, the divide in representation remains impossible to ignore. It feels as though beauty that exists beyond the predefined notion of “boldness” is left out, fading into the background behind a misrepresentation of what it truly means for a woman to be herself. This often stems from the mistaken belief that modesty is merely a cultural or religious limitation.
Whether it’s a hijab-wearing Muslim woman or someone without religious or cultural ties who finds empowerment and comfort in covering up, modesty is, at its core, a deeply personal expression of self. It carries a strength that echoes in the stories of so many incredible women around us.
For years, fashion has defined boldness in loudness—in risk- taking, standing out, and defying norms. But being bold comes in many forms, and often, being different, and choosing different, require the greatest courage.
Our debut cover star, Ameni Esseibi, embodies this ethos beautifully. As the first plus-size Arab model who stands at the forefront of promoting inclusivity and diversity in the region, she is a symbol of empowerment and authenticity in a world that has long overlooked voices like hers. Ameni’s story is one of breaking barriers, exemplifying how beauty, confidence, and representation come in all forms.
Fronting this issue in modest attire, she once again challenges perceptions and sparks a deeper conversation about how boldness transcends a single narrative—how it is as multifaceted as the women who define it, and how modesty, too, can be an audacious expression of self.
With our first-ever issue, we aim to continue this much- needed conversation and shape a future where modest brands are celebrated on the runways of Milan, Paris, New York, and beyond—a future where curvy models are given the platform to represent modest attire with pride and authenticity.
Lastly, this issue is a love letter to women who challenge perceptions, refuse to fit in, and instead carve out spaces that truly fit them.
Through these pages, we hope to capture the pulse of a region brimming with creativity—from the talent that drives it to the world-class excellence in dining, lifestyle, beauty, and, of course, modest fashion. This is a publication with purpose, and this is just the beginning…
