NEW YORK — In the heart of Harlem, Kadjahtou Balde has transformed her father’s struggling gift shop into Modify Thrift, a pioneering sustainable fashion hub that celebrates modest wear while challenging stereotypes about Muslim women’s style. The boutique on Malcolm X Boulevard has emerged as both a retail destination and community space where Islamic values intersect with environmental consciousness.
Balde, a dedicated thrifter and modest fashion enthusiast, identified a market gap for stylish yet conservative clothing that aligns with her religious values. ‘Muslim women are some of the most fashionable people out there,’ Balde asserts, countering perceptions of oppression or dullness often associated with modest dressing. Her inventory combines streetwear with cultural garments, including hand-embroidered Palestinian pieces and intricately designed abayas.
The store operates as an antidote to fast-fashion brands that dominate the growing modest wear industry. For Balde, sustainable fashion represents not just a business model but a form of worship—an expression of Islam’s mandate to be stewards of the Earth. ‘We have to be people who care for the planet and for our neighbor,’ says Balde, who also leads Faithfully Sustainable, New York’s first Muslim environmental justice organization.
Modify Thrift has resonated particularly with Muslim women navigating both style and safety concerns in post-9/11 New York. Balde notes that visibly Muslim women often use fashion strategically to blend in while maintaining their values. Her store empowers them to develop layered, stylish outfits that meet modesty requirements without sacrificing individuality.
The community has embraced the concept, with most inventory coming from local donations. Assistant Operations Manager Nabiha Ali educates customers that modesty encompasses diverse interpretations: ‘No two Muslim women look the same. It’s really personal and individual.’
The project also represents a tribute to Balde’s father, who built relationships in Harlem over two decades as a street vendor and shop owner. Their collaboration provided unexpected bonding moments—between DIY renovations, the father-daughter duo shared meals together for the first time. Balde now envisions expanding Modify Thrift into immigrant-run modest thrift stores across all five boroughs, creating businesses that benefit communities rather than simply profiting from them.
