Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, has expressed hope that the Islamic Fashion Festival (IIF) will continue to provide a platform for designers to present their creations and encourage more designers to delve into creating apparels of modesty.

She said this would translate into a growing pool of Islamic fashion designers whose role was critical for the industry to thrive.

"Over time, Islamic fashion too can be a permanent feature during fashion weeks in the fashion capitals of the world," she said at the ‘IIF Eastern Treasures’ luncheon showcase here Friday.

NONE Rosmah, who is patron of IIF, said Islamic fashion had indeed become a lucrative commercial field of enterprise.

While there's no official trade data for the global Muslim fashion industry, estimates had shown positive indications, she said.

Rosmah said for the Islamic fashion industry to thrive, growth and development must be across the board, from high-fashion to ready-to-wear being made easily available.

She said she was encouraged to hear that high-end stores like Harrods in London and Saks in Saudi Arabia have begun selling Islamic apparel in recent times.

"It's definitely a good start, but it's my wish to see more of such stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy's Debenhams and other retail chains offering Islamic apparel and accessories as part of mainstream fashion in the world.

"Only then can we justify that Islamic fashion has arrived in the truest sense," she said.

- Bernama