The incredible world of modest fashion on Instagram

Who says dressing in a modest way can't be glamorous? As the Western world gradually – albeit sometimes with difficulty, let’s admit – becomes familiar with the concept of modest fashion, hijabs, and veils, there are personalities on social media challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. They show that wearing a veil – covering hair and neck, adhering to the rules of one’s faith – doesn’t have to be limiting or stifling. On the contrary, it fosters creativity and inventiveness in crafting outfits and integrating unique pieces into a look.

In this vision of an increasingly cosmopolitan and globalized yet, unfortunately, less tolerant world, social networks can become an unexpected tool for tolerance and normalization. While for Italy we asked some local creators (though the concept of “local” is becoming increasingly blurred as national borders lose relevance, a trend we hope continues) to share their experiences, it’s time to broaden our perspective to include international creators.

Interview with Samia Benchaou, Danish-Moroccan Stylist

Among them is Samia Benchaou, a Danish-Moroccan stylist featured in Elle and Vogue, and a regular presence at Copenhagen Fashion Week. On Instagram and TikTok, she posts numerous videos showcasing bold, fashion-forward looks while wearing her hijab and adhering to the unwritten rules of modest fashion, including non-clingy silhouettes and high-quality fabrics. "I’m bold, authentic and I speak my mind" says Samia. With her style and her straightforward, lighthearted way of responding to criticism, she has amassed an audience of nearly 400,000 followers, primarily women. "I get feedbacks all the time from women of different cultures and beliefs, they say that I help them with many options when it comes fashion". Not only: "My community has written to me in my dm and comments saying they have learnt so much from me, about my culture and religion, saying that I’m building bridges".

Her page, in fact, is living proof that fashion can build bridges. For her, fashion is art and self-expression, distinct from fleeting micro-trends and rooted in personality. Not everyone approves: "I receive negative comments from my own Muslim community all the time. I usually never respond, cause I know people are not happy with themselves. When I do I respond with a video or calling them out, in that way everyone can see". Her journey is also shaped by Copenhagen, a city gaining recognition but still, according to Samia, somewhat peripheral: "I live in Denmark and here it's hard to be acknowledged by the fashion industry. That’s why I decided to do my own thing on Instagram and I’ve been welcomed by the whole world, it’s freaking amazing!" It wouldn’t have been possible without social media: "It’s really important for me to stay connected with my community, who’s showing love and support for what I do every single day. It means a lot”.