Photo Essay: Istanbul's Islamic Fashion

Twice yearly, Istanbul’s Fashion Week draws a varied crowd—from the religiously conservative to social liberals. Recent trends highlighted versatility, allowing the wearer to tailor designer outfits to conservative tastes. Dresses can be worn over pants, and longer coats make curves less pronounced. Scarves are culled from top designers such as Louis Vuitton and Hermés.

Filling the need for high-end Islamic fashion is Turkish fashion magazine Ala, which the press calls the “Vogue of the veiled.” The magazine’s spreads feature bright colors and modern cuts while still maintaining modesty and Islamic values.

A model shows off a daywear look at a fashion shoot at Bretz Home in Kemerburgaz, Istanbul.Monique Jaques

The Armine store in Istanbul’s Fatih District. Fatih is known as one of the most conservative districts in the city and hosts many retail stores covering all ends of the market.Monique Jaques

A photographer and the Ala editorial board discuss an image being considered for the cover. Scarves are from a wide range of designers, like domestic Armine and international brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermés.Monique Jaques

A woman poses during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall/Winter in Kurucesme, Istanbul.Monique Jaques

Attendees before the Tuvanam show during Istanbul Fashion Week.Monique Jaques

Attendees before a runway show that was held in the same complex where the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is located.Monique Jaques

The Fall/Winter adl + CENGİZ show during Istanbul Fashion Week.Monique Jaques

Fashionistas exit after the Tuvanam show, which draws a wide-ranging crowd.Monique Jaques

The Fall/Winter adl + CENGİZ show during Istanbul Fashion WeeMonique Jaques

The Kith & Kin show at S/S during Istanbul Fashion Week.Monique Jaques

Models dress before the Raisa-Vanessa Sason runway show.Monique Jaques

A model returns down the catwalk at the Fall/Winter adl + CENGİZ show during Istanbul Fashion Week.Monique Jaques

Attendees wait for the Tuvanam show to begin during Istanbul Fashion Week.Monique Jaques

Attendees pose in front of a sponsor’s sign during Istanbul Fashion Week.Monique Jaques

After a shoot, shoes are left by a model.Monique Jaques

A model poses in front of historic aqueducts during a fashion shoot for Ala at Bretz Home in Kemerburgaz, Istanbul.Monique Jaques

Editor of Ala Gülsüm Çiçekci helps one of the models walk to the shoot in towering heels.Monique Jaques

The exterior of Armine, a high-end Islamic fashion house that rivals the designs of Hermés in the Middle East.Monique Jaques

A model looks at the image a photographer took of her during a fashion shoot for Ala.Monique Jaques

View more work by Monique Jaques here.