The de Young Museum in San Francisco’s exhibition of Muslim fashion was one of their best, in my opinion. As an American woman, I don’t know much about modest fashion or the hijab. But by the time I finished perusing these stunning designs, I grew to appreciate the cultural backdrop and current takes on modest fashion.I loved these two magazine covers. Not what we’re used to seeing–but they make perfect sense.
I love the stories–so normal and so relatable!

You’ve probably heard the term modest fashion. Modesty is a hallmark of attire for Muslim women and even so, I’m certain you’ll find something you love, below. I know I did. And if you are a style blogger, I’d love to know what you think in the Comments section. So come on: let the exotic beauty of these modest fashions inspire you!

This familiar, super-tailored look could be on any runway.

On this red ensemble, I love how the hijab is incorporated into the top. Super-modern.

This is sort of gypsy-girl-ish and while it may appear costumey to us, maybe not so much in the Muslim world.

Notice how modesty doesn’t mean no bling.

I absolutely love the unique nature of this piece. It really is more like an abaya, although the face is exposed.

Maybe my favorite. Very much to my liking.

Not crazy about the colors, but none-the-less lovely

and then this, below: is the hijab archaic?

or is it high fashion? Below is a Moroccan style blogger from Casablanca:

She’s gorgeous, isn’t she? Her hijab looks very much a part of her style.

“Wear and do what makes you feel best.”

Does the hijab make a statement like this?

Creativity.
Not so crazy about this one–and it isn’t even that modest.

Something about this I love– super trendy dropped crotch isn’t my fave look but I love the take on the hijab. All in the drape.

I love tie die–wonder if anyone would wear these.

It’s sportswear. It’s high fashion.

This is truly high fashion and I just love it.  Diametrically opposed,  the styles below are more traditional.

Some of these fashions were crafted by names like Dior and Lagerfeld. I was busy looking at them and shooting pictures and didn’t record designer names for each piece. I wish I had.

Luxe fabrics and color.

High drama

and there’s a statement!

I love a caftan. These are very, very traditional.

This beautiful piece of art, below, is Moroccan women, writing. In their hijabs. It’s called “Harem Women Writing” and is by a Moroccan born artist, Laila Essaydi.

Let’s end with this–I defy you to not sing along: (lyrics below)

What that hair look like
Bet that hair look nice
Don’t that make you sweat?
Don’t that feel too tight?
Yo what yo hair look like
Bet yo hair look nice
How long your hair is
You need to get yo life
You only see Oriental
You steady working that dental
You poppin’ off at the lip
And run ya mouth like a treadmill
Not your exotic vacation
I’m bored with your fascination
I need that PayPal, PayPal, PayPal
If you want education

All around the world
Love women every shading
Be so liberated
All around the world
Love women every shading
Power run deep
So even if you hate it

I still wrap my hijab
Wrap my hijab
Wrap my hijab
Wrap, wrap my hijab
Keep swaggin’ my hijabis
Swag-swaggin’ my hijabis
Swaggin’ my hijabis
Swag-swaggin’ my hijabis

Me and my hijabi ladies
We was born in the eighties
So pretty like the Euphrates
And party like some Kuwaitis
Deeper than some diplomas
Current like some hot yoga
Takin’ back the misnomers and
Teleportin’ through trauma
Teleportin’ through trauma
Teleportin’ through trauma
I been stackin’ my karma
Nefertiti, no drama
Make a feminist planet
Women haters get banished
Covered up or not don’t ever take us for granted
All around the world
Love women every shading
Be so liberated
All around the world
Love women every shading
Power run deep
So even if you hate it

I still wrap my hijab
Wrap my hijab
Wrap my hijab
Wrap, wrap my hijab
Keep swaggin’ my hijabis
Swag-swaggin’ my hijabis
Swaggin’ my hijabis
Swag-swaggin’ my hijabis

You’re just jealous of my sisters
These Mipsters, these hippies
These prissies, these Sufis
These dreddies, these Sunnis
These Shii’s, Yemenis
Somalis, Libnanis, Pakistanis
These Soories, Sudanis
Iraqis, Punjabies
Afghanis, Yazeedis
Khaleejis, Indonesians
Egyptians, Canadians
Algerians, Nigerians
Americans, Libyans
Tunisians, Palestinians
Hidden beyond the Mekong in Laos
Senegalese, and Burkina Faso

I still wrap my hijab
Wrap my hijab
Wrap my hijab
Wrap, wrap my hijab
Keep swaggin’ my hijabis
Swag-swaggin’ my hijabis
Swaggin’ my hijabis
Swag-swaggin’ my hijabis