NEW YORK—On the heels of New York Fashion Week, the 5th Annual International Modest Fashion Show and awards ceremony hosted by Women Working Together Inc., and Al-Nisa founder and designer Sister Carmen Muhammad hit the runway at the Harlem Renaissance Hotel in New York City on Saturday, September 27.
Bringing modesty, elegance, grace, and femininity together in a wonderful display of apparel by various models and designers was epic, as a new norm and paradigm were highlighted.
From the style and culture clearly defined by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam, and under the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the fashions highlighted beauty and refinement. Minister Farrakhan once stated, “Modesty is not about restriction but liberation. It allows us to focus on our inner beauty and spiritual growth.”
The virtue, value, and sacredness of women were key points echoed throughout the night in a stunning array of modest fashion. “Captivated by the regal beauty and confidence radiating from women adorned in modest attire, their presence told a story of dignity, strength, and purpose.
In that moment, it was clear that a new vision had taken root: one that redefines fashion not only as a form of expression, but as a reflection of deeper values and timeless grace,” said Sister Carmen Muhammad.
Not to lose sight of the historical and cultural significance of being in Harlem as the iconic place that birthed countless movements, cultural identities and powerful people, Sis. Carmen brought together some of the remaining members of the Original Grandassa models, including 98-year-old elder Sister Black Rose.
The Grandassa models are Black women who first expressed the “Black is beautiful” mantra and cultural shift in the 1960s through modest African American attire, hairstyles, and Black empowerment. They shared their experience and received their much-deserved honors.
The oldest member of the original Grandassa models, Sis. Black Rose, stunned the audience when she got out of her wheelchair, walked the runway, raised her fist, and shouted “Black power.” It was the first time she had spoken since having a stroke in 2022.
“That vibe of history and culture coming together was a very spiritual night, especially to witness Black Rose chanting ‘Black power’ since she hasn’t spoken since having a stroke years ago,” stated Dr. Donald Brown, a friend of the Grandassa models.
Along with wellness expert and author Queen Afua, Black women displayed supreme beauty, elegance, grace, and a connection to the past and the present, reflecting the ambiance of the Harlem Renaissance Hotel.
The awards ceremony honored Queen Afua, Nation of Islam Student Eastern Regional Minister Arthur Muhammad, and Student Regional M.G.T. Captain Johnna Muhammad for their stellar works and commitment, and they were given a warm appreciation by the audience.
State Senator Cordell Cleare presented Women Working Together Inc. and Sis. Carmen Muhammad with a proclamation in recognition of her works in the arts and culture realm of fashion. Senator Cleare also spoke about her recently signed bill, which designates Harlem as a cultural district.
The evening was emceed by Brother Jamil Muhammad, who described the stunning models as they walked the runway in apparel from Sis. Nisa Islam, Orchid Allure; Debra Lloyd, Mahogany Brown; Rodrina Brown, Afronique’s Honeycomb; Evetta Petty, Harlem’s Heaven Hats and Sis. Aminah Muhammad, Queen Aminah Clothing.
The grand finale of the evening featured fashions by Sis. Carmen Muhammad and her Al-Nisa Designs fashion wear, which has been seen around the world. She is internationally renowned for her line of modest and stylish clothing.
The event was livestreamed throughout the country and internationally, reaching Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and other locations, to the delight of viewers and congratulatory comments via texts, emails, and social media.
From Côte d’Ivoire, Brother Franck Toh wrote to Sister Carmen, “I am writing to extend my most heartfelt congratulations on the monumental success of the 5th Annual International Modest Fashion Weekend. The event was not just a fashion show;
It was a profound statement of culture, identity, and empowerment!” He further stated, “That key moment when Mother Queen Black Rose, 98 years strong, stepped onto the scene and boldly declared Black Power!
Man … you have masterfully woven together the threads of faith, fashion, and self-determination for a new generation. You have taken that torch of empowerment and carried it forward, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and unapologetically beautiful space in the heart of Harlem.
Your work through this event and with Women Working Together, Inc. is a direct continuation of that vital mission—to redefine standards, celebrate our heritage, and build our own economic and creative platforms.” For more information, visit, harlemmfw.com.
