Reclaiming the runway: Baghdad hosts first fashion show in 27 years

By Rowaida Abdelaziz

Stepping out of the looming national violence and into the fashion spotlight, the city of Baghdad is once again reminding the world of its legacy as a historic cultural city.

After a 27-year absence from the fashion industry, Baghdad hosted its first fashion show since 1988 at the luxurious Royal Tulip hotel’s gala hall, located just a hundred miles north of the sectarian fighting.

Over 500 people attended the first edition of the Baghdad Fashion Show to watch 16 beautiful Iraqi models strut down the catwalk, showcasing collections designed by six home-grown designers. Many of the creations brought back the nostalgic memories of traditional woven patterns and Arab themes mixed with modern day flair.

Among the attendees were Umm Mustafa and her husband, who cancelled all their family duties, bought new clothes and eagerly prepared for a an entire week of high fashion in their home country.

“The last show we saw was in 1988 at the Palestine hotel,” said Mustafa.

“We love fashion and design,” her husbanded added. “It’s the security situation that has affected everything. There’s development here but no opportunity to show the world.”

Positive sentiments of a new Iraq beginning to emerge through high fashion and a spirit of pride and creative innovation echoed both on the runway and backstage.

“If you are here in Baghdad, it’s the biggest act of defiance. It’s not a war with jets and tanks but with ideas,” said Abdelkader Ghassan, a marketing manager for a tourism company.

“This is life,” he says, pointing to the models on the catwalk. “This is Baghdad.”

The emergence of Baghdad fashion show is more than just a welcome distraction for the country. It is a nostalgic reminder of Iraq’s vibrant cultural legacy and social life for older generations and a positive beacon of hope for the country’s younger generations going forward.

After decades of a political, often-skewed view of Iraq held by the West, this event also provides for a unique opportunity to change the way the country is portrayed in the mainstream media, both within and outside of Iraq.

As one of the oldest cultural cities in the world, the fashion industry is not new to Baghdad. This cradle of civilization has been celebrated by generations of artists, historians and intellectuals for its remarkable cultural and historic treasures long before the political upheavals. Despite its troubles, Iraq is establishing its identity once again for something that goes beyond the current sectarian violence and war.

“This is an attempt within the current political and security situation to support the government and the people,” said Iraqi designer and organizer Sinan Kamel. “The most important message we address to the world today is that Iraq is still alive.”