By Anniesa Hasibuan made history at New York Fashion Week back in September by featuring all her models with headscarves during her D’Jakarta collection. Her collection spoke volumes for celebrating diversity in the fashion industry and inspired people all across the globe. The moment her dream-like collection took the runway, critics, fashionistas, and fans alike knew she would be making waves with a signature style and embracement of modest fashion, and it wasn’t long before she became the talk of town.
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The 30-year-old Indonesian fashion designer has a soft spot for modest, feminine and magical designs that would be fit for a princess and can transform any woman into feeling special and luxurious with a unique spin on it. Whether it’s the addition of a luminous silk hijab or a unique silver headpiece that gets the entire crowd talking.
I felt greatly inspired by her collection and the integration of modesty into fashion so I could not have been happier to reach out and interview the inspiring and talented Anniesa Hasibuan. Check it out below!
Muslim Girl: How did you decide to become a fashion designer? What do you enjoy most about it?
Anniesa Hasibuan: I decided to become a fashion designer when I knew fashion was my passion. It started from my hobby and desire, I wanted to make beautiful dresses for all the beautiful women out there. I mostly enjoy drawing my designs, I like intricate details in fashion.
What made you decide to feature all models with hijab at your D’Jakarta collection during New York Fashion Week?
I presented Muslim Fashion, so it’s a must to feature all models with hijab. I had no doubt or fear about it, there was no negative thought about what would happen if I featured all models with hijab. I have God and I always pray to protect me all the time.
How did you feel about the huge positive response you got to making history in the fashion industry?
It’s like…unbelievable. I never expected that I would make it, as I know New York Fashion Week is an incredible event for great designers. Rarely for Muslim fashion, especially hijab.
I had no doubt or fear about it, there was no negative thought about what would happen if I featured all models with hijab.
And I dared myself to achieve one of my big dreams, I wanted to show Muslim fashion to people in New York and, yeah. I finally I made it. After all the hard work, my dreams came true. I felt so blessed, Alhamdulillah.
What’s the significance of modest fashion for you?
Fashion is life. Fashion is my passion. For me, every woman has their own fashion. They are beautiful in their own way. I made these dresses for all the beautiful women out there, I want them to look and feel special, like princesses.
What are the challenges of being different in the fashion industry and having a modest take on fashion?
I do not feel any specific challenge in being different. Being different for me is a special thing. You have your own character. There is one challenge that I feel the most, that is when people do not accept my fashion designs and still compare it with other designers.
Being different for me is a special thing. You have your own character.
What are your everyday inspirations?
There are so many inspirations for me, like while I was stuck in traffic, I got inspirations from the people who passed by, from the sky, from the trees, and others. Especially from my environment.
What are your plans for the future as a designer? What new exciting designs can we expect to see?
I do not have a significant plan. I just want to continue my hobby, focus and develop on ready-to-wear. For my ready-to-wear collections, I expect more business development. Whereas couture dresses are like a paid hobby because I love making magnificent dresses. There will be many Ready-to-Wear collections soon, Insha’Allah. 
Follow Anniesa Hasibuan on Facebook.
Instagram: @anniesahasibuan