After all, the largest Muslim-majority country in the world exported US$2.85 billion worth of Muslim fashion in the first half of 2022, making the country the 13th-largest Muslim and modest wear exporter globally and the largest consumer of Muslim fashion in Southeast Asia according to Statistics Indonesia.

If you’re still undecided on your modest sartorial picks, don’t order that kaftan just yet, because we’ve got some insights and tips courtesy of influencer and entrepreneur Mega Iskanti.

With more than 900,000 Instagram followers and her own namesake fashion label Iskanti by Mega Iskanti, Mega recently sat down with us for five questions about her take on modest fashion to inspire and turn even the simplest of outfits into something straight out of fashion week.

1. What are the five essential pieces in your wardrobe that you think everyone should have?

If I had to name five, I’d go with a classic designer bag, long striped t-shirt, cutbray (bootcut) pair of pants, a skirt, and a hijab. For the latter, my go-to brands are Paris and Pashmina Instant.

With these items, I can create many styles and it's easy for me to mix and match with other fashion items.

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2. What is your personal definition of modest fashion?

Personally, modest fashion has a very deep meaning for me. The main thing is how I interpret my religious obligations in the form of clothing. It turns out that after adopting a modest fashion style, it has become a style that is attached to me on a very personal level.

Unconsciously, the standards that I apply in adopting modest fashion have also become the standards for me in living my life: being simpler, choosing simpler things, and also reflected in my behavior of abstaining from overdoing.

3. How do you describe your style and how does it translate to your brand?

From the start, my dressing style definitely prioritizes comfort and simplicity, but at the same time is also attractive and sleek to wear for certain occasions.

When I founded the Iskanti brand, I also applied the "Enchanting Comfytable" concept so that the clothes remain charming and appealing, but also prioritize user comfort. This stems from the selection of the best materials with the best quality, combined with simple yet attractive design innovations so you can keep up with trends easily.

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4. Who are your style icons and why?

My favorite fashion icons are Hana Tajima and Dian Pelangi. In particular, I really like Hana Tajima's simple and modest style. But on several occasions, we as women definitely want to look eye-catching and stylish. That's why combining the comfort from Hana Tajima's style with Dian Pelangi's eye-catching fits is the best dynamic duo. You will look pretty while also comfortable at the same time.

5. What are your tips and tricks for people who are new and still finding their way to modest fashion?

Ramadan is definitely the month of modest fashion; in this industry, it can’t be denied that this is our peak season.

In my opinion, style and comfort are two things that can go hand in hand. There are many brands that provide products with quality, comfortable materials and have many options for various styles.

First, determine the style that is suitable and what you like, and then move on to choosing the material when purchasing the product of your choice to provide comfort when worn.

For those who have just started on the modest fashion journey, start with the intention first. After that, you can start looking for style inspiration, for example starting to follow modest fashion influencers whose style you like while checking if it's suitable for you to follow their style.

After that, it will usually be easier to look for brands that fit you sartorially. Also, don't forget that usually brands also have certain social values, which may also match your social values. Insyaallah if you follow these steps, it will be easy to determine a modest fashion style of clothing.

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This article is part of The Weekender, which comes out on the Saturday edition of The Jakarta Post. It offers a variety of lifestyle and culture articles aimed at enriching your reading experience. Subscribe here to get access to the Saturday edition and all other premium content from the Post.

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