by Azizah Muhammad
ATLANTA—Modesty and elegance recently took center stage as Sister Dorothea Muhammad of Mosque No. 15, an entrepreneur, designer, and visionary, brought her creative vision to life at the DeKalb Conference Center in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Sister Dorothea, the founder of Belle ‘D’ Kouture, hosted an inspiring modest fashion show called “Beyond the Runway.”
Models graced the stage wearing unique outfits by fashion designers from diverse backgrounds. The fashion show celebrated the beauty and grace of Muslim women’s fashion—proving once again that modesty and style can coexist.
The event, held May 30, included fashion designers, entrepreneurs, and business owners of different faiths from across the Atlanta area and beyond. The gathering was a testament to Sis. Dorothea’s commitment to “empower women to look and feel their best in every aspect of their lives.”
As the lights dimmed and the guests prepared to be seated, the atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement. Sis. Zewdy X, a model and vocalist, melodiously recited the opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an to prepare the attendees for an evening of grace and gratitude.
“Beyond the Runway is dedicated to shaping the next generation of young women by fostering confidence, connection, character and compassion,” said hostess Thai Leonard, who kept the excitement of the evening flowing.
Photos courtesy of: Beyond the Runway, David Muhammad, Anisah Muhammad, and Azizah Muhammad
“This evening is more than a celebration,” she continued. “It’s a reminder that distinction is not found in titles alone, but it’s found in the impact that we leave in the lives of others.”
The evening demonstrated gratefulness to Allah (God) for teaching the Black woman how to dress and for raising among the Black man and woman in America, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam, and His National Representative, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Modest fashion brands of the evening included: Belle ‘D’ Kouture, Khalifah Apparel, Kameelah’s Closet, YONQUEAL, Beloved Boutique and Afronique Honeycomb (the mother company of the natural, luxury fabric line Natriel).
Music filled the room, and the models glided on the runway, representing each fashion brand with dignity. Attendees gasped, clapped and cheered in excitement as they watched the show. Both men and women respected the diversity of designs.
“It was wonderful. There were a lot of beautiful presentations, so many diverse, different styles,” said Bro. Najeem Muhammad, 26. “Unfortunately, when we think of modesty, we think about it in a certain box, but when I saw the fashion show, I saw so many different styles, so many different vibrant colors, and that just went to show that you can be modest and be beautiful at the same time.”
Sis. Jenna X was honored to participate as a fashion model for modest clothing. “It’s an honor to represent the Mother of Civilization,” she stated, referring to the Black woman. “I have a history—prior to coming into the Nation [of Islam]—of pageantry and modeling, and to be able to do it at a high level and the way that Allah (God) came to make us, it is really an honor and a privilege.”
“I think that the clothing lines were so beautiful,” said husband and wife duo Bro. Anthony and Sis. Vayanah Muhammad of Atlanta. “These are clothing lines that every human being in America should be wearing,” they stated.
The fashion show honorees included: Mayor Carmalitha L. Gumbs, City of South Fulton (Honoree of The Visionary Leadership Award); Nation of Islam pioneer, Sister Annie Muhammad (Honoree of The Lifetime Achievement Award); and Student Southern Regional M.G.T. Captain Dr. Nusaybah Muhammad from Mosque No. 15 in Atlanta (Honoree of The Trailblazer Award).
A special tribute was shared in honor of Mother Clara Muhammad, wife of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, wife of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Mayor Gumbs, who is the first female mayor of the city of South Fulton, was unable to attend the fashion show but offered words of gratitude via webcam. “I understand the significance of this moment, not just for myself, but for the young girls and women who are watching and realizing that leadership, service, and purpose have no limits,” she stated.
“I am truly grateful for this recognition and deeply appreciate being acknowledged by an organization that is pouring into the next generation of young women in such a meaningful way.”
Student Regional M.G.T. Captain Nusaybah Muhammad described her recognition at the event as “one of the most prestigious honors.” She recalled being ridiculed for dressing modestly. “To now get to the place where it is being honored and recognized feels amazing,” she stated.
“So even though I went through the ridicule, I didn’t allow it to stop me on the pathway to being a Muslim woman, one who wanted to reflect my culture in my dress, in the belief in my dress, my spirit, [and] my inner being.”
The fashion show proved a huge success, highlighting the elegance and versatility of modest fashion. It served as a platform to highlight collective creativity, refinement and unity.
Sister Dorothea thanked everyone who supported Beyond the Runway Fashion and Awards—from the sponsors, designers, models, vendors, volunteers and every guest who attended the event. “The best is yet to come,” she said.
Final Call staff writer Anisah Muhammad contributed to this report.
