TEHRAN -- In a bold move toward redefining modest fashion, the Association of Hijab Activists and Experts has announced the launch of the first-ever “Hibā Festival”, a pioneering initiative dedicated to the design and celebration of contemporary, modest womenswear.
Hamidreza Omidi, CEO of the association, shared with ISNA that the inspiration behind “Hibā” stemmed from a noticeable absence of high-quality, modest fashion representation in national clothing festivals. “We saw a creative vacuum in chaste fashion,” he said, “and decided to create a space where designers could bring their vision to life.”
The word “Hibā”, he explained, not only means “a selfless gift” in Arabic but also serves as an acronym for Hijab-e Banovān-e Irani — Iranian women’s hijab.
Unveiled on Thursday, the official poster for the festival sets the tone for a new era of fashion rooted in cultural integrity and innovation. “We hope Hibā will open the doors for a new wave of modest fashion design,” Omidi said, expressing his wish that this platform would spotlight the talent and artistry of Iranian designers.
Unlike many design competitions that end with prizes and press photos, Hibā aims to bridge fashion and function. Omidi emphasized that the winning designs will be connected directly to manufacturers, ensuring that concepts evolve into wearable collections available to the public. “We don’t want this to be just another award show. We’re building a pipeline from sketchpad to streetwear.”
Although originally scheduled to begin earlier, the festival’s timeline was adjusted due to the recent 12-day war. Now, from July 18 to August 15, designers can register and submit their entries. Initial evaluations will be returned by August 27, giving participants time to refine and produce final garments, which must be submitted by October 2.
Judging will take place in two phases: the first round from October 2–11, and the final round concluding by October 17. Selected pieces will be prepared for exhibition by October 21.
The festival’s grand finale will coincide with the birth anniversary of Hazrat Zainab (SA) on October 27, celebrating both faith and fashion in harmony.
The festival’s policymaking council includes influential figures such as Sahar Talaqani, Monir Shabani, Marzieh Ayutin, Fatemeh Masoudshahi, and Zeinab Doulati — all respected voices in the modest fashion and cultural sectors.
Their mission? To elevate hijab fashion through refined sizing standards, targeted mentorship for emerging designers, and a curated exhibition that showcases the future of modest Iranian design.
Fashion with Heart: The Hoda Exhibition’s Interrupted Success
Omidi also commented on the recent seventh edition of the “Hoda” Iranian-Islamic Fashion Exhibition, which had to be canceled midway due to the war. Initially planned for June 10–19, the event was halted on day five, despite an overwhelmingly positive public reception. “Had we continued, this could have been the most successful Hoda exhibition to date,” he remarked.
In a gesture of goodwill, 50% of booth rental fees are being refunded to participating vendors, and the team is already preparing for the eighth Hoda exhibition, tentatively scheduled for late September. “We’re committed to ensuring that our producers don’t bear the losses from this round,” Omidi added.