Abayas Boutique, a modest clothing store on Curry Mile, has gained international acclaim for its stylish apparel, catering to women from diverse backgrounds.
Nestled on the corner of Curry Mile, amidst a vibrant array of shisha spots, cafes, and bustling restaurants, lies Abayas Boutique, a clothing store renowned for its stylish yet modest apparel. Despite its small size, the boutique has gained international acclaim, drawing clientele from countries such as Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. The establishment has become a preferred destination for women seeking fashionable modest wear.
Abayas Boutique is the creation of Altaf Chaudhury and his wife, Shahida, who embarked on this venture in the mid-1990s. With Altaf’s background as a fashion designer, the couple set out to craft clothing that would merge style with modesty, inspired by Shahida’s request for functional yet chic abayas suitable for the UK climate. As Shahida recounted, “There was nowhere to turn for simple, functional yet stylish abayas that could withstand the harsh UK winters,” highlighting the gap in the market they aimed to fill.
Altaf elaborated on their mission, stating, “She needed someone that could combine the quality and designs of places like Chanel or Versace with modest clothing.” The couple emphasized that their designs cater not only to Muslim women but also to those from different faith backgrounds seeking modest clothing options.
Before launching Abayas Boutique, Altaf had built a distinguished career in fashion, owning a store called Black and White that catered to dancers, musicians, and actors in search of unique attire. His work included creating stage costumes for iconic figures such as Michael Jackson and Prince, alongside local artists like Lisa Stansfield. Reflecting on those early days, Altaf shared, “It was a very busy and trendy place…anybody who wanted something unique used to come there.”
In the mid-90s, as their interests shifted toward their Islamic faith, Altaf and Shahida decided to transition from the glitz of showbiz to designing modest clothing exclusively for women. This transformation began in the living room of their home, where they repurposed their sewing machines to create designs that soon attracted a growing clientele. Shahida recalled, “At first, it was just a handful of friends placing orders. But word spread.”
By 2009, with demand ever-increasing, Abayas Boutique established a presence online, enabling them to expand their reach beyond local competitors. After a period of operating from a flagship store in Cheetham Hill, they relocated to a more vibrant area on Wilmslow Road, where they have remained for nearly a decade.
Both Altaf and Shahida remain actively involved in the business, with their daughter Ammatullah taking a pivotal role, particularly in managing the boutique’s growing social media footprint. Ammatullah remarked, “We’ve come a long way. But we’re just getting started. The fashion world is evolving, and modest fashion is no longer niche; it’s mainstream.” She emphasized their commitment to enhancing women’s confidence through fashion that blends style with modesty.
With a legacy rooted in familial collaboration and a vision for the future that champions inclusivity in fashion, Abayas Boutique continues to thrive as a favored destination for modest clothing enthusiasts globally.
Source: Noah Wire Services
