Korea.net: Pakistan-Born Designer Showcases Korean-Inspired Modest Fashion at Malaysia International Halal Showcase

This article is part of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 series

Published on Korea.net’s ​Site for ​Honorary Reporter​s on October 23, 2026

Pakistan-Born Designer Showcases Korean-Inspired Modest Fashion at Malaysia International Halal Showcase

2026-10-23

By Honorary Reporter Ing Yeen Oh from Malaysia

Photo by = Ing Yeen Oh, Maryam Waris

Designer Maryam Waris presented her Korean-inspired modest fashion collection at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, held from September 23 to 26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.

The 22nd edition of MIHAS carried the theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience.” Since its establishment in 2004, the trade showcase has grown into a major platform for the global halal industry, connecting businesses across sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, modest fashion, personal care, technology, Islamic finance and Muslim-friendly tourism.

Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as organizer, MIHAS provides a platform for businesses to explore market opportunities and build international connections.

Designer Maryam Waris (fourth from left) presented her Korean-inspired modest fashion collection at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 on September 23 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)

Korean-Inspired Modest Fashion

Digital media & Fashion Creative Designer Maryam Waris, who hails from Pakistan, said, “When I did my Masters in Seoul’s Hongik University one year ago, people were interested in the modest fashion I wear and would ask me about it. It was difficult to find modest clothing in Korea and most are hijab-style.” Seeing that there is a gap for modest clothing in Korea, she decided to pursue her career in modest clothing. “I aim to offer modest fashion, not just Muslim clothing, for those who prefer modest clothing, “ she said in an interview at MIHAS after her show on September 23.

Maryam Waris is a Pakistan-born, Korea-based designer and founder of the modest fashion label Alura Styles. (Photo courtesy of Maryam Waris)

Alura Styles combines Korea-inspired aesthetics with contemporary silhouettes, emphasizing elegance, individuality and confidence. The collection featured everyday styles, including draped designs, offering modest dressing as a fashion choice rather than limiting it to a particular religious identity.

While it was not her first fashion show in Malaysia, having participated in one in Kota Kinabalu last year, it was the first under her label Alura Styles. She was also a creative director and event manager for the 2026 Seoul Modest Fashion Show, attended by five Korean brands and ambassadors. The show also known as the K-Modest Fashion Show) took place on April 2, 2026, at Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).

By combining Korean design influences with modest silhouettes, Alura Styles offers an example of how fashion can cross cultural boundaries while responding to different preferences in dress.

She is scheduled to showcase her collection at the BIGSABAH Sale 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 30.

Korean-based designer Maryam Waris is scheduled to showcase her collection at the BIGSABAH Sale 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 30. (Photo credit: Maryam Waris)