For some reason, most of foreigners might think that all Afghan women wear a burqa, a long, blue scarf that covers all the body. Although the burqa still is worn, it is not the dominant female garment anymore.
In the Hamed Karzay presidency, a great number of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan came back to Afghanistan. These people brought the new culture of fashion from those countries. Now, most of Afghan girls and women wear jeans, high heels, and a loose scarfs in Kabul. One day when I was looking at some Afghan wedding photos with Tina, a Belgian friend, she said: “You girls make up heavily, we do not even make up like this in Belgium.” Looking at Kabul shopping malls that are full of short and fashionable clothes, I sometimes wonder where burqas are sold.
Despite the conservative culture, many Afghan girls insist on bringing change in clothing and fashion. With all these changes, in February 2013 a fashion show was held in Kabul where Afghan girls modeled western and Afghan traditional clothes. Fashion shows are rare events in Afghanistan for the cultural and social obstacles. However, the model’s goal was not only showing the clothes, but challenging the cultural norms in Afghanistan, and expanding women's opportunities. "The situation always gets tougher and tougher every day by day, but we should not back down." said Shahar Banoo Zeerak, the designer of the fashion show clothes (SHAH). Salma Gul who made the clothes worn in the fashion show was very happy about the event. Although she could not sell all the clothes, the show raised more than $1000, which is an encouraging start for women to be financially independent. "It may not be perfect and professional but it's a beginning." She said (SHAH).
In July, 2012, another Fashion show was held in Kabul. Razia Jan, named as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2012, arranged this fashion show to raise money for Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Afghanistan (Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation). Like most fashion shows in Kabul, no Afghan media was allowed in the show in consideration of the safety of models and event organizers. The event was well managed and raised a fair amount of money.
Although Fashion shows occurs only occasionally, it seems that they are a new experience that youth are very passionate about and would like to be a part of. "Who will bring the peace? We are going to bring it. Afghans. The new generation," Farkhonda Taheri, one of the models said.
Works Cited
Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation. 2013. 3 7 2013.<http://www.raziasrayofhope.org/>
SHAH, AMIR. Rare Afghan fashion show seeks to empower women. 8 2 2013. 3 7 2013.<http://bigstory.ap.org/article/rare-afghan-fashion-show-seeks-empower-women>
