People

Modernizing Kurdish Tradition : Bring Cultural Heritage to life on the Runway

Q1. Could you please explain in detail about the outfit you wore at the fashion show?
"The outfit I wore was inspired by the traditional clothing of the Kurdish people in the western part of Iran. Traditionally, this attire is made from velvet fabric and adorned with decorative accessories, often worn on special occasions like weddings. I redesigned it with a modern touch to make it suitable for everyday wear while still preserving its cultural essence. Through this outfit, I aimed to modernize the traditional style and introduce our cultural heritage to a broader audience."

Q2. What motivated you to participate in the fashion show, and how did you prepare for it?
This fashion show was an opportunity for international students to showcase their traditional attire and promote their cultures. I felt a strong sense of pride representing Iranian culture and decided to participate. The preparations lasted three days, although I missed the first day due to an exam. From the second day, I fully engaged in the practice sessions. While participants from other countries displayed traditional poses, Iran does not have specific traditional poses, so I used basic stances.
Q3. What was the most memorable moment from the fashion show?
There were many meaningful moments, but receiving a bouquet of flowers from the university president was truly unforgettable. It was such an honor and a deeply emotional experience for me. Additionally, I was greatly inspired by the chance to see and learn about traditional attire and cultures from other countries. As a fashion design student, I believe this experience will significantly benefit my studies and future career.
Q4. On what occasions is this traditional attire typically worn in your homeland?
The outfit I presented in the fashion show was inspired by traditional attire from the western Kurdistan region of Iran and was my own design. Traditionally, these garments are made of velvet and are worn at special occasions like weddings. However, I modernized the design to maintain its traditional essence while making it suitable for everyday wear. Similar to how hanbok in Korea is mostly reserved for special occasions nowadays, Iranian traditional attire is also worn only on significant days. Balancing tradition and modernity was the key focus of my design.
Q5. How did you feel about participating in the fashion show?
This fashion show was more than just an event to display outfits—it was a valuable opportunity to understand diverse cultures and broaden my perspective as a fashion design major. Among the various traditional attires, I found Egypt’s garments the most striking, as they had a historical and distinctive feel with vibrant colors. Indian and Sri Lankan attire also left a strong impression with their unique beauty. Above all, I take pride in confidently walking the runway in front of a large audience, especially since it was my first experience.