The art of modesty: Inside By Guzman's vision for occasion-wear

Modest occasion-wear has garnered attention in recent years as a prominent player in the modest fashion industry, as more women opt for modest pieces rather than just being merely covered. This has allowed designers to become more daring in their designs and creativity, and Charlotte, founder and designer of By Guzman, has proven that modest can indeed be crafted from precision and artistry.

We interviewed Charlotte about her vision to redefine 'special occasion dressing' for the modest fashion industry, the vision behind her haute-couture-like designs and how they intertwine with identity, creativity and meticulous craftsmanship.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you found your way into
fashion?

Growing up in a multicultural household, I was surrounded by different traditions, music, foods, and celebrations. Each of these experiences felt like a new form of art, and they taught me that creativity and self-expression aren’t limited to just one medium. That openness shaped how I view the world and has always been at the heart of my identity.
Fashion became my path through the influence of my mother. She has a way of seeing life itself as an artwork — always pointing out the beauty in small details and teaching me to look beyond the surface. Watching her shaped my own sense of style and inspired me to treat fashion as a form of storytelling. From a young age, this guided me towards discovering my voice as a designer.

How would you describe By Guzman to people who are not familiar with the
brand?

By Guzmán is a modest fashion brand rooted in celebrating individuality through thoughtfully handcrafted designs. Each piece is created as more than just clothing — it’s an expression of self-confidence and authenticity. Our focus is on craftsmanship. We carefully work with diverse materials and techniques to create dresses that feel truly unique. Dresses made for moments. Whether you’re guest, the main or there for someone special, wearing By Guzmán ensures you feel unforgettable, confident and part of a story that last beyond the occasion.
Every detail is intentional, designed to build a personal connection between the wearer and the piece. Its exclusivity makes it feel as though it was made by hand, just for you.

What would you say is your design style? 

By Guzmán’s design style is defined by three signature elements that shape every collection.
• Structure: Each garment is carefully balanced and tailored to enhance the natural form of the body.
• Textural Appliqué: Unique textures are layered and applied to create depth, artistry, and individuality within every piece.
• Contrast in Colour: A thoughtfully curated colour palette sets the tone for each collection, weaving a narrative through contrasts and harmonies.
Together, these elements create designs that feel both distinctive and timeless, embodying the essence of By Guzmán.

Your dresses are stunningly modest - What inspired you to focus on modest
fashion specifically?
The inspiration to focus on modest fashion began in 2019, a time where special occasions surrounding me were on the arise. By then, I had been wearing the hijab for five years, and I found it difficult to find dresses that felt both elegant for an occasion and truly modest in their coverage.
That experience inspired me to create designs where women don’t have to compromise. To create pieces that allow you to feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable, without worrying about how the dress sits. I wanted every woman to have the perfect dress for a perfect day.

Where do your ideas usually start? What sparks your creativity?

My design process always begins with research. Inspiration can come from anywhere — nature, fashion, colour, or even architecture. I often start by exploring a concept or trend that sets the tone for a collection, and from there, ideas begin to unfold.
The art of the world continually sparks my creativity, guiding me to translate what I see, into pieces of my designs.

Can you walk us through how a piece goes from concept to creation?

Once the foundation of a collection is established, I begin experimenting with textiles, fabrics, and silhouettes. This exploration guides the design into the toile stage, where the garment starts to take physical form before finalisation.
The journey from concept to creation is magical — an idea moves from my mind to paper, from paper to fabric, and finally into a finished piece. There’s something truly beautiful about watching a vision transform into a tangible garment that can be worn and experienced.

How do you balance modesty with trends and functionality?

When balancing modesty with trends and functionality, I take inspiration from current ideas and reinterpret them through a modest lens. For example, if I’m inspired by a particular sleeve style, I explore ways to adapt it so it remains modest while still being functional for the wearer.
It can be challenging, but that’s where the toile process becomes essential — it allows me to experiment, adjust, and perfect the design so it works beautifully both visually and practically.

How does your culture, faith, or identity influence your designs?

My culture, faith, and identity deeply shape the values I bring to my designs — modesty, individualism, and intention. As a Muslim designer, I’m inspired by the idea that one can be fully covered while still embracing beauty and sophistication in what they wear.
This perspective allows me to create pieces that reflect who I am while connecting with a wider, universal audience. For me, modest fashion becomes more than clothing — it’s an expression of empowerment, authenticity, and artistry, all while honouring my roots and faith.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to make their
mark in modest fashion?
Modest fashion is a growing and empowering industry, and I’m proud to be a part of it. It’s a movement that encourages seeing inspiration rather than limitation. My advice to aspiring designers is to create with intention — bring a unique voice to your work, one that sets you apart yet brings our community together as one.

What are you working on right now? Can we expect a new collection soon?

Absolutely! I’m currently working on a new collection that I’m so excited to share. It’s inspired by 'the moment' — and the personal significance it holds for each individual. I’m thrilled to bring these designs to life and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

To hire a By Guzman dress for your next special occasion contact them here.