Last November 2024, the Halal Expo Philippines (HEP) made history by staging the country’s first live modest fashion show in the heart of Manila. But behind the runway lights and applause was a story marked by uncertainty, grit, and resilience.

Just two months before the event, Grace, the CEO of HEP, expressed worries that there’ll no fashion show. Despite efforts to attract designers, only one or two had secured slots, while many others grappled with financing their participation. Without sponsors, potential partners were hesitant to support the show, believing it could pay for itself given the strong reputation of Halal Expo Canada, the same company bringing the event to the Philippines. Yet anyone familiar with large-scale expos knows they are never free, and the financial weight threatened to derail the show entirely.

In the Philippines, most fashion shows are free for designers, with only a few prestigious events charging fees—usually accessible only to top industry names. This made our task even more challenging. As a designer myself who has showcased in international events, I understood the concerns: What are the benefits? Who will attend? How much will it cost to produce a collection? What about travel, accommodations, meals, and assistants?

Amid these worries, Sir Mustapha Alaa Jr. from the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MTIT BARMM) came through, committing four designers from his region to join. His support became a crucial turning point.

As HEP’s modest fashion partner, our team at the Modest Fashion Designer Platform (MFDP) took on the responsibility of promoting the show, recruiting designers, and providing strategic guidance. For HEP, already recognized as the biggest halal expo in North America, featuring a modest fashion segment was uncharted territory. We helped them every step of the way, from recruiting volunteer models and influencers to arranging backstage crews and photographers — a story of dedication that deserves its own telling.

Despite designers struggling to meet their commitments up until the final hours, the show ultimately pushed through. The runway lit up with creativity, confidence, and the diverse expressions of modest fashion.

However, once the show concluded, we faced an unexpected storm. Some members of the Muslim community expressed strong disapproval online. Models endured cyberbullying — an act punishable by law in the Philippines — and our Facebook community page, Modest Fashion Manila, was inundated with harassing messages. Even Halal Expo Philippines was not spared.

Yet, in the face of criticism and controversy, we stand firm. We do not regret what we accomplished. As experts in modest fashion, we understand the dynamics of this industry deeply, and we remain unapologetic. While not everyone approved, we undeniably achieved something new and meaningful: we broke barriers.

Looking ahead, we are hopeful. The success — and the lessons — from November 2024 have laid a strong foundation for future editions. As we prepare for the next modest fashion show, whether it be with HEP or others, we remain committed to pushing boundaries and creating spaces for modest fashion to flourish, not just in the Philippines, but in the global scene.

The journey continues, and we invite everyone to witness — and be part of — the next chapters.