ISTANBUL – SELHAYA, the pioneering British luxury abaya Maison founded by acclaimed designer Aisha Hossain, has garnered significant international attention during its presentation at the Modest Fashion & Art Trade Show in Istanbul. The event, held under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, coincided with the 10th OIC Halal Expo and the 12th World Halal Summit – premier gatherings that shape the global halal economy landscape.
The luxury brand showcased its exclusive silk capsule collection featuring six meticulously crafted pure-silk abayas, each design inspired by feminine resilience and strength. This presentation marked a milestone for the London-founded brand that draws spiritual inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
During the summit, Hossain received formal recognition from Halal Expo 2025 for SELHAYA’s contributions to sustainable modest luxury and UAE-crafted cultural couture. The award highlights the brand’s unique position at the intersection of British design sophistication and Emirati cultural refinement.
Hossain participated in a high-level panel discussion on fashion diplomacy, articulating how modest fashion serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression beyond traditional diplomatic channels. She emphasized how design functions as a universal connective language and how women-led fashion houses can maintain cultural authenticity while achieving global market relevance.
The showcased capsule collection originally debuted in Abu Dhabi during October’s ‘Wayakoum’ Breast Cancer Awareness initiative under the patronage of Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan. Demonstrating its philanthropic commitment, SELHAYA gifted bespoke abayas valued at Dh10,000 each to cancer fighters, reflecting the brand’s dedication to community upliftment and women’s wellbeing.
‘This collection honors women – their strength, and the quiet beauty they carry through every season of life,’ stated Hossain, who serves as both founder and creative director.
SELHAYA continues to expand its global presence, bridging cultural aesthetics from London to Abu Dhabi while maintaining its commitment to elegance, resilience, and purposeful design across international markets.