A further sign that Iraq’s fashion and beauty industry is beginning to recover, Baghdad hosted its first fashion show in almost 30 years. This represents what can only be called a giant leap in security considering the greater part of the 21st century has been marked by religious extremists threatening stylists and fashion designers businesses and insisting that women should only be seen by their husbands.
“People don’t realize that you can risk your life by choosing to be a model,” explained one of the 16 models, 22-year-old Haneen to AFP during the show rehearsal. “I don’t tell anyone I am a model because no one accepts this idea… My father thinks I am an employee at a fashion show,” she continued.
The city of Baghdad hosted the fashion show (its first since 1988) on a horseshoe catwalk at the Royal Tulip Hotel and showcased modest designs from six designers. “The most important message we address to the world today is that Iraq is still alive,” announced the 35-year-old Iraqi designer and organizer, Sinan Kamel to the 500-strong crowd. Alive and hopeful for a more accepting and beautiful future.
