Passion for fashion

SUSTAINABLE fashion has become a trend these days as a way to mitigate the industry’s contribution to the worsening climate change. Vogue’s Emily Chan cites that the industry is in fact “responsible for a shocking four to 10 per cent of global greenhouse-gas emissions every year.” 

The concept “buy less and buy better” was recommended by Chan as this can alleviate the environmental impact of an industry “responsible for four to 10 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions every year.” 

Modest Wardrobe, a boutique owned by Faye Inojales-Bitte, brings sustainable fashion to mind. Not only can the fabric survive more than 30 washes, the design of each creation knows no season or fashion trend. The selection is classic and elegant, just right for those who want to step up their wardrobe.

Faye’s family has been in the garment industry for 40 years, and she herself owns a factory in Manila. 

“I am quite equipped in knowing the cost of the clothes just by looking at the kind of fabric that was used,” Faye said.

She joined the family business in 2016 and started her own garment factory on the same year. She took courses in Fashion Design and Fashion Styling at SoFA Design Institute in Makati. 

“With my combined background in the garment industry and passion for fashion, I decided to put up Modest Wardrobe here in Davao, not only because we have a huge population of Muslims here, but also because Davao is my hometown,” she said.

“What initially led me to opening Modest Wardrobe was my conversion to Islam. As a Muslim revert, I knew I must embrace the Muslim tradition of following the Islamic clothing for women. The Quran and Prophet Muhammad calls for modesty,” Faye added.

As she was filling her own closet, she realized that apparel found here either had the same style and design or the fabric was not in the best quality, yet unreasonably priced. She also heard embarrassing stories from her relatives and friends on finding the same outfit worn by other women in special events.

“I don’t know if it’s just me, but I know most of us would not want to get caught wearing the same outfit as the others,” she said.

She caters to women of all ages and faith, as she broadens her designs to include office workers and those who prefer wearing long dresses or lean more toward a conservative attire.

“I would describe our style as modest, with a modern twist. Our range of Islamic attire does not only promote elegance in style, but also excellence in quality and affordability. Here at Modest Wardrobe, our aim is to offer our customers a unique clothing line that never goes out of style. To maintain the uniqueness of each piece, we will only be releasing one or two of each design.”

You don’t have to worry about bumping into someone dressed the same way. Faye enthused that “if the item is already sold out, then there will be no more restocking. This, I believe, will help maintain the integrity and exclusivity of each design. Putting a limitation to the number of items will entice our target market in purchasing a one-of a kind outfit.”

So how does she imagine fashion for her market in the next three years? 

Faye said that with the introduction of contemporary Muslim attire here in the Philippines they will become more acquainted with the latest fashion trends and will no longer settle for what’s available in most stores.

Modest Wardrobe opened its doors on June 23, 2022 graced by Deputy Mayor Randy Usman, Commissioner Engr. Samad Pangandaman- Office of the Muslim Affairs, Sheikh Muslimin Amiril Rowell Divina and  Board member Nelson Dayanghirang Jr. – Province of Davao Oriental.

Invited guests were: Hadj. Farida Y. Bitte owner of the building, Niza Hayo, Leah Pinili, Karren Joy Dasoc, Bernadeth Junsay, Cynthia Junsay, Zahra Habibtash, Alysa Digadong, Davidson Idlana, Aisha Yap, Fatima Bitte and Shaira Bitte, Ali Bitte.

The Modest wardrobe is located at: Timeless Treasure Building, Brgy. 32-D corner jacinto boulevard. Davao City. It is open daily at 10:30am to 7:30pm.

Another concept in sustainable fashion is – “buying better can also mean supporting designers who are promoting sustainable practices” – and Faye is someone to watch in the city’s fashion scene.

Credits for shop launch:

Event stylist : Christine Kaindoy Weddings and Events

Photography: Diko Project Photo and Fifth Hour Studio

Signage: TBR Concepts Signworks

Mua : Mj Mac & Rodni Noel Varquez

Hair: Daryl John Sayago & Biboy Mondido

Credits for clothes:

Photo by : Fifth Hour Studio

MUA : House of Beauty by Rodni Varquez

Hair : Philip Mondido

Outfits : Modest Wardrobe

Model: Faye Inojales