Modeling and modesty are two words that seem mutually exclusive, but a Muslim fashion designer in New York City is trying to change that. A new agency for Muslim models, called Underwraps, is launching next week during New York Fashion Week. Its goal? To prove that models can be gorgeous, stylish, and yet still maintain their religious beliefs.

Nailah Lymus is an American-born Muslim whose parents converted to Islam before she was born. She adheres to the modesty tenets of the religion, which require that clothes be loose enough so as not to reveal your shape, and that basically the only body parts that can be visible are your face, hands and feet. Sound challenging? It doesn’t have to be. I chatted with Lymus this week about her background, Muslims in fashion, and her plans to launch a modeling agency.

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