03
@Glam.Halal
sept-oct. 2019
lifestyle
To be modest
in fashion and
lifestyle is to wear
modest clothing
that still gives off a
stylish flair and to
live moderately.
Modesty
in being fashionable
The workings of modest fashion and keeping things in moderation
A
ssalamualaikum and a
great day to all. It’s a great
feeling to be given an oppor-
tunity to put my thoughts
in writing through this
wonderful platform.
Fashion is my passion and it is indeed
a topic that resonates well with me as a
fashion creator and a certified Image Coach.
Recalling the moment when I finally decided
to venture into fashion, it was in 2016 after
much encouragements from my designer
friends from Bumiputera Designers Associa-
tion, I finally plucked up the courage to do
my first showcase on the runway of Malaysia
Fashion Week organised by Stylo Mercedes
Benz at Matrade.
It was an indescribable feeling seeing
your creation being showcased on stage and
I realized in that moment that if you want to
materialise something, you just have to put
your thoughts into it and it will lead you to
executing it.
Alhamdulillah up till now I am enjoying
this gift that was entrusted to me by Allah
- that is a gift to create, innovate, evolve
and do my best in my chosen profession.
Evolution is crucial in the fashion world as
‘fashionistas’ now are constantly looking for
something new. Trends changes so fast that
it is hard to detect what is in and what is not.
But one thing for sure, the whole world
now is going big on modest fashion. It’s a
strong wave that’s creating a big phenomena
in the fast-paced industry.
What is modest fashion?
Just what does ‘modesty’ really means?
Some may have vast interpretations of what
and how it should be, and perhaps there
could even be confusion or misrepresenta-
tion of the meaning.
There are two ways to translate modesty.
My perspective is we can look at it not just
in the way we dress but also as a way of life.
The word ‘modesty’ comes from the Latin
word ‘modestus’ which means ‘keeping
within measure’ and sometimes known as
‘demureness’, - it translates a kind of mode
of dress and deportment which intends to
avoid encouragement of sexual attraction in
others. In other words wearing less revealing
clothes that exposes the skin.
In the dictionary, I came across the
translation of modesty. It is ‘the quality
of being relatively moderate, limited or in
small amount. The quality or state of being
unassuming in the estimation of one’s abili-
ties. For instance, a typical humbleness of
ones success is insisted to share the credit
with others in fairness, acceptability, lack
of pretensions, lack of vanity and most
importantly - all done in moderation. I guess
that translates it all. ’ The key word here is
moderation.
How we dress and live
In the way we dress as well as our actions
and how much we respect ourselves, the
people around us and the sensitivities of
the environment we are in. It all comes
down to exercising respect and manner-
isms at all times to achieve harmony and
finesse and not to intimidate others with
our presence.
But how do we achieve a true under-
standing of modesty? Very simple
- RESPECT, ADAPT, ACCEPT and do not
judge or impose on others. How we dress is
totally our own unique style as long as we
abide by the principles mentioned above and
always be aware of the consequences that
By Datin Sharifah
Shawati Syed Mohd
may arise from our doings and well-being.
Choose to be educated and know your
boundaries in fashion when you have
decided to don the scarf or hijab as it some-
how represents formality and undeniably a
highly respected journey.
As for the non-Muslims on how to exer-
cise Modesty is by being aware of the culture
of any given situations especially when
you’re invited to formal events functions
that has the presence of the Royals or get-
ting invited to a function at the palace, the
best is to exercise Modesty in your choice of
dressing and a certain colour not to be used
with an intention not to intimidate.
Avoid wearing sleeveless dresses, short
skirts or attires with slogans or writings.
What you need to remember is always
bring a long shawl with you, a formal jacket
if you’re opting for the modern look and
classy elegant formal wear that’s covering
your arms, knees and chest area.
It’s always a welcoming gesture to have
non-Malays wearing the traditional baju
kurung or the batik shirt as a way to adapt
and creating rapport and harmony.
We can be as stylish as we want but we
have a duty to ourselves and that is Respect
and not to overdo it until it creates doubts
and impracticality. Extremism is not
encouraged. We can be bold in our stands
but must always be flexible in our approach
in preserving our dignity and self- respect.
See you again next month and stay
stylish!
Datin Sharifah Shawati Syed Mohd is the Founder
of Adamaya Consultancy And Services Sdn Bhd
You can see more of her product and services at
adamaya.com.my, and her social media at shsha-
wati and adamaya.co on Instagram.