“This dress is not just fabric; it’s a story of resilience, love, and the crossing of borders to create something truly regal.”

– Sarah Shafni

Every dress has a story, but this one, this regal creation from the heart of Ingushetia, carries more than design and fabric. It carries friendship, heritage, emotion, and a cross-border connection, turning a dream into reality.

As I step into Modest Fashion Week 2025, I feel honored to wear a gown that reflects my personal style and the essence of modest fashion — elegance, grace, and timeless beauty. This stunning blush peach and red gown was designed remotely by the gifted Khadija Ainaeva under the creative direction of fashion producer Ahada and handcrafted in the Republic of Ingushetia, Russia. It’s a piece that celebrates femininity and sophistication without compromising modesty.

The entire project was born from a simple WhatsApp group chat. Ahada, a long-time friend, introduced me to the Aynaeva brand’s design team. From there, we exchanged inspirations, ideas, and sketches — proving that distance means nothing when hearts and visions align. Despite being thousands of kilometers apart, the process felt deeply personal and aligned with my values.

Halfway through our collaboration, my world paused — my mother suffered a heart attack, and I had to withdraw from the creative process. In those uncertain days, the Aynaeva team showed not just professionalism but extraordinary compassion. They continued working quietly behind the scenes, staying true to my original concept and honoring every detail I had shared. Their emotional support, paired with their artistic devotion, truly touched my heart.

Their commitment didn’t stop there. In a world where delays are common, they ensured the dress reached me in time for the event. How? A close family acquaintance of theirs flew from Ingushetia to Moscow to Dubai — hand-delivering the dress personally. This act of dedication is a reminder of the genuine human connections that fashion can foster, especially within the modest fashion community where values and integrity matter just as much as style.

When I laid eyes on the gown for the first time, I was overwhelmed. It was nothing short of majestic — a work of art. Hand-embellished with Swarovski crystals, red woodglass beads, and moissanite stones and crafted from luxurious Italian royal satin, this dress, An Ode to Haute Couture and Modesty, was created by the artisans of Aynaeva with precision and passion. It’s not just fashion — it’s craftsmanship, storytelling, and soul stitched into every thread. The dress captured everything I had envisioned and more. It glowed with royal charm yet whispered subtlety — an embodiment of modest fashion done with magnificence.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the name they gave the gown: “Sarah.” A tribute, they said, to me — as a woman who embraces her identity with strength and softness and as a symbol of empowerment for women across the globe. They drew inspiration from the grandeur of Russian royalty, combining traditional elements with modest elegance to create a design that speaks of power and poise.

This collaboration between Dubai and Ingushetia is not just about fashion. It’s about building bridges, honoring heritage, and weaving modesty and creativity into something unforgettable.

To Khadija Ainaeva, to Ahada, and to every hand behind the Aynaeva brand — thank you. You’ve given me not just a dress but a legacy to wear.