Building a modest fashion portfolio that brands notice

Modest fashion is one of the busiest fashion categories in the Kingdom, from everyday abayas to occasion wear and modest sportswear. With all that activity, brands have become more selective about the faces that represent them.

Start with the basics

Before any creative shoot, you need clear photos that show your features and frame as they really are: a headshot, a full-length front shot and a side shot, in a plain abaya and daylight. These reassure a brand about what it will see on shoot day.

Show your range

• An everyday abaya styled practically on the street or in a café.
• An occasion piece with embroidery or a luxurious fabric.
• A coloured or contemporary-cut look that proves you are not limited to one style.
• A close-up of the details: sleeves, hands and accessories.

A skilled abaya model knows how to show the fabric moving. Try walking slowly and making a half-turn in front of the camera; brands love these shots.

Headscarf and hijab styling

Keep your headscarf neatly and consistently wrapped in every photo, and vary the colours between neutrals and darker tones. If you wear a niqab, some brands look specifically for that style, so say so clearly on your profile.

Common mistakes

• Over-editing photos until natural skin texture disappears.
• Old photos that no longer reflect how you look today.
• Busy backgrounds that pull attention away from the outfit.

A carefully chosen set of eight to twelve images is far better than fifty similar ones. Review your portfolio every three months and swap the weakest for your newest.