Lahum
MFW
The Story
This article provides a curated overview based exclusively on publicly available information and existing industry reports. It is intended to synthesize these details for clarity and contextual analysis.
A Recap
When ThinkFashion launched its first Modest Fashion Week in Istanbul, it marked a turning point for a movement long overlooked by mainstream fashion capitals. The consultancy firm, founded to bridge the gap between production and branding, offered something new—a platform where modest-wear designers could claim space on an international stage.
For years, Modest Fashion Weeks brought the movement into the spotlight, from Dubai to London, giving visibility to a global community that had often been left on the sidelines of Milan, Paris, and New York Fashion Weeks. The brand’s mission was clear: to create a global platform that would allow modest fashion to thrive on its own terms—culturally grounded, creatively free, and commercially viable.
However, behind the runway lights, the brand has faced significant internal instability.
Following the pandemic, the company held its seventh global edition in 2021—the third in Dubai. While the event attracted coverage from high-profile outlets, it was followed by a period of operational silence. Communication channels went dark, and the modest fashion community was left with little information regarding the company’s status.
A Publicly Documented Dispute
The silence eventually gave way to a public dispute. Documentation and announcements shared by co-founder Franka Soeria indicate that the founders became embroiled in a legal conflict. Public company registry details, cited by Soeria, show that the firm is currently flagged as having an active dispute regarding its partners.
A central issue in this conflict is the management of brand assets. In public statements, Soeria has alleged that her co-founder, Özlem Şahin, continued to organize events—including those in Riyadh and Istanbul—without authorization. These allegations include the unauthorized use of company emails, social media accounts, and promotional assets to secure sponsors and participants despite an ongoing legal challenge.
The Question of Representation
A recurring focal point of this controversy is the alteration of promotional materials. Observers have noted, and documentation suggests, that there have been instances where one founder’s name was removed from company materials, a practice Soeria claims was an attempt to misrepresent the company’s true ownership structure.
This shifting visibility has contributed to a sense of confusion within the industry. For a year, Modest Fashion Weeks largely disappeared from the public eye, only to resurface in 2024 for its ninth edition in Istanbul. While the event featured prominent models and the return of key partners like Modanisa, the underlying leadership tension remained unresolved.
All image credits: @frankasoeria
A Path Forward?
In 2024, signs of a potential shift emerged. Both founders’ names were again associated with the company in some public contexts, and a 10th global edition was announced for April 2025 in Dubai. However, the shadow of the legal dispute persists, as claims regarding unauthorized events and the proper use of company assets continue to be a subject of public record.
The question now is not just whether Modest Fashion Weeks can return, but what kind of organization it will be when it does. After years of silence, rebranding, and public claims of “hijacked” operations, the company stands at a crossroads.
For those who have followed the movement from the beginning, the story of Modest Fashion Weeks is no longer just about the runway. It has become a case study in the growing pains of a movement, highlighting the complex intersection of intellectual property, partnership, and the struggle to sustain a global vision.
The company’s comment
LahumMagazine reached out to the organization for comment regarding the findings in this report prior to publication. No response was received by the time of publication.