An Intimate Ramadan Suhoor by The Akademy Circle Dubai

On 26 February 2026, The Akademy Circle Dubai, Private Intellectual Members Club hosted
an intimate Ramadan suhoor conversation at the Bouguessa showroom in Dubai Design District,
bringing together a curated group of women from the fashion, media, and creative industries to
explore one of the most influential movements shaping contemporary style: the rise of modest
fashion.

The evening welcomed Akademy members and guests for a thoughtful exchange of perspectives
in a setting designed for dialogue rather than a traditional panel. At the heart of the conversation
was the question of how modest fashion has evolved, from a cultural code into a global style
language influencing identity, culture, and commerce.

The discussion was moderated by Nisreen Shocair, Ambassador of The Akademy Circle and
CEO of The Showcase Network, whose extensive experience leading global retail platforms in the
region brought a sharp leadership and industry lens to the evening. Joining the conversation were Faiza Bouguessa, the Algerian French designer behind the eponymous Bouguessa brand, and Hanan Houachmi, known for shaping contemporary interpretations of modest dressing.

Faiza Bouguessa reflected on the origins of her brand, which began with a subtle yet meaningful
shift: reimagining the traditional black abaya through refined tailoring, color, and modern structure
expanding the language of modest fashion rather than redefining it. Hanan Houachmi offered the stylist’s perspective, highlighting the sophistication of today’s modest client a woman who blends timeless wardrobe foundations with thoughtful styling and contemporary nuance.

The conversation moved fluidly between design, culture, and business, touching on the evolution of
modest fashion beyond a niche category, the changing dynamics of fashion communication in the
digital era, and the balance brands must strike between cultural authenticity and commercial
visibility during Ramadan. As the evening unfolded, it became clear that modest fashion is no longer emerging it is a powerful and globally relevant movement shaped by women whose values align personal identity with contemporary elegance.

Events such as this reflect the spirit of The Akademy Circle a members’ community designed to
foster intellectual exchange, meaningful connections, and conversations at the intersection of
culture, creativity, and global perspectives