Eid Al Fitr isn’t too far away, so you should be prepping your outfits and hair transformations that you’ll be stunting to all family events from here on out. From jalabiya’s and pretty dresses to abayas – Eid is the perfect time of the year to revamp your wardrobe and just look *good*.

One of our latest brand discoveries is ‘illi,’ a regional abaya brand that we’ve been keeping an eye out on for some time now. 

The label was founded by a Middle Eastern woman (which we love,) and has some beautiful pieces that have been worn by the likes of big-time influencers like Mthayel Al Ali. 

We spoke to the founder, Rawdha Thani, all about her brand, her inspirations, and her opinion on where modest clothing will be in a couple of years. 

Scroll down to read all about it…

Cosmo ME: What was your inspiration behind ‘illi’?

Rawdha Thani: The idea of ‘illi’ started years ago, it was always on my mind but i wasn’t ready to start it till lockdown happened. It came out of the need of wanting something new, something different, something exciting. Something bold. The way I dress has always been a way of me expressing myself, I always made my own clothing because I didnt find anything in the market that really expressed me. i feel the most confident in my own designs because they expressed me and my aesthetic.

I wanted to create something for the women that are not afraid of expressing themselves.

At the same time I wanted to create something that gives power and makes whoever wears the pieces feel excited and happy and beautiful and unique. An outfit that gets you excited to go out, happy to see people and be seen.

C: Have you always wanted to become a fashion designer or have your own brand?

R: Yes I have, this has been a dream of mine since I was 17 years old, I always knew I would do something in fashion.

C: How did it feel having the likes of big influencers like Mthayel wear your clothes?

R: It honestly feels amazing. I love having the girls that were on my inspiration mood board for my illi muses, actually wear illi and love it!

C: How would you describe the ‘illi’ woman?

R: The illi woman is confident and bold, not afraid to stand out and express herself, she’s very creative and powerful and demands the attention of any room she steps into.

C: What progress do you hope to see for modest clothing in the years to come?

R: I love seeing modest wear with an edge, being modest doesn’t mean you need to dress in one way or in typical cuts – it can be whatever you consider as modest.

C: What’s in store for ‘illi’ in 2021?

R: I have a lot planned out for illi in 2021, there will be casual wear and some cool collaborations!

If you can’t get enough of the brand (same,) then we suggest heading to their website to check out their latest collection release – ‘Dusk Series.’ Just click here.Â