Kabul

Kabul, once known as the “Paris of Central Asia,” has a rich history of fashion and art that has evolved dramatically over the decades. In the 1960s and 1970s, Kabul experienced a golden age of fashion, with women embracing Western-inspired styles and local designers gaining international recognition[1][2].

During this era, Kabul’s fashion scene was vibrant and diverse:

Women wore miniskirts, chic scarves, and sported beehive hairdos[3].
Afghan students at universities donned short skirts and Western-style clothing[3].
Fashion shows in Kabul featured models in short dresses, pencil skirts, and even traditional clothing paired with firearms[2].

Notable figures in Kabul’s fashion history include:

Safia Tarzi, a young fashion designer featured in Vogue as one of Kabul’s “bright young things”[2][4].
Jeanne Beecher, an American who introduced Western clothing expertise to Kabul and helped establish a local fashion industry[2][4].

Afghan fashion also made its mark globally:

The Afghan goat-skin coat became a popular fashion item worldwide[3].
Transparent trousers from Afghanistan were highly sought after by American women[2].

However, the fashion landscape in Kabul has changed dramatically due to political upheaval and conflict. The Taliban’s influence has led to more conservative dress codes, with the burqa becoming a symbol of Afghan women’s identity for many years[2].

Despite these challenges, art and fashion continue to play a role in Afghan culture:

Zolaykha Sherzad, a fashion designer, works to preserve Afghan traditions through her label Zarif Design, showcasing intricate detailing and unique fabrics[1].
Shamsia Hassani, hailed as Afghanistan’s first female graffiti artist, uses the streets of Kabul as her canvas[6].

Today, Kabul’s fashion and art scene reflects the complex history and ongoing struggles of the country. While some areas may see a return to more conservative dress, there are still those who strive to keep the rich artistic traditions of Afghanistan alive through fashion, design, and visual arts.

Citations

[1] https://salaamstyle.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/art-behind-afghanistan/
[2] https://fashionlawjournal.com/fashion-in-afghanistan-rise-and-fall/
[3] https://fashionlawjournal.com/the-taliban-effect-evolution-and-devolution-of-fashion-in-afghanistan/
[4] https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-explore/from-miniskirts-to-hijabs-afghanistans-liberated-1960s-fashion-in-photos
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_clothing
[6] https://www.service95.com/the-way-i-work-shamsia-hassani
[7] https://newlinesmag.com/first-person/afghanistans-fashions-over-three-generations/
[8] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-58388333

Kabul

Citations

See also