CHICAGO—This year, Women Working Together Inc. is presenting its 3rd annual International Modest Fashion Weekend with the theme “Fashion for Peace” on August 31 at the Drake Hotel. Sister Carmen Kamilah Abdullah Muhammad is the owner of Al-Nisa Designs and founder of Women Working Together Inc.
Her aim and purpose is to help ensure that beautiful, fashionable and modest clothing and Muslim designers are recognized and appreciated. She also wants to shine a light on the role of women in civilization and society. This year’s fashion show theme is, “Fashion for Peace.”
“I wanted to go back to the original concept that I had and that is celebrating women,” Sister Carmen told The Final Call. “What’s making it unique is how we are integrating Muslim women and fashion.” Her vision since 2005 has been to empower women through fashion and show that modesty can be beautiful.
In addition to a fashion show featuring a variety of designers, Sister Carmen will also be honoring and recognizing talented women of the Nation of Islam with awards at the event. Honorees include Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan, daughter of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan;
Sister Kabasa Muhammad, daughter of Sister Carmen; Sister Sajdah Wendy Muhammad, a businesswoman and entrepreneur; Sister Sonya Muhammad, a longtime companion and helper of Sister Carmen; Sister Aminah Muhammad, a fashion designer and businesswoman; and Sister Margaret Mahdi, a playwright, producer and director.
The weekend will kickstart with an evening of fine dining, entertainment and awards gala at the Salaam Restaurant on the city’s South Side on August 30.
Sister Sonya Muhammad of Monroe, Louisiana, one of the awardees, shared her excitement about the upcoming fashion weekend. “We’re striving to do something that He (Master Fard Muhammad) asked us to do and that’s cover the women,” she told The Final Call.
“When you think about what Jesus said, he said, ‘let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,’ and he had women who were following him who were covered … it brings a virtue to the woman. We’re showing and striving to show women that you can be covered and be beautiful.”
Sister Carmen spoke on the importance of Muslims supporting one another in the mission of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the importance of the Nation of Islam being an example before the world.
“We are the Vanguards of modest fashion,” she explained. “When we show up and show out, we show the world who we are!” For more information and tickets, visit www.wwtmfw.com or email [email protected]
—Tariqah Muhammad, Staff Writer
