Designers Weave History Into Modern Fashion

TEHRAN -- In the heart of Tehran, a quiet revolution in fashion is underway. Artists and designers are breathing new life into traditional embroidery and centuries-old patterns by repurposing luxurious fabrics and ornate table linens. 

What emerges is not just clothing—it’s wearable art that tells the story of Iran’s rich cultural heritage.
These visionary designers draw inspiration from Iran’s architectural masterpieces and regional arts, transforming jellabas, jackets, and vests into statements of national identity. Each stitch carries a narrative—from the grandeur of historical mosques to the intricate motifs of nature—woven seamlessly into modern silhouettes.
“I call my approach ‘recycled fashion,’” says Nasrin Farrokhi, a designer at the forefront of this movement. 
“We take textiles that have outlived their original use—like embellished tablecloths—and transform them into garments. This allows us to preserve traditional handicrafts, like needlework, while also promoting environmental responsibility.”
Farrokhi’s innovative designs have found a loyal following online, with pieces ranging from two-and-a-half million to over four million Iranian tomans depending on the intricacy and materials used. Jackets and vests adorned with hand-stitched embroidery demand the most time and care—and rightly command higher prices.
Beyond aesthetics, Farrokhi emphasizes social impact: “Many women, especially in remote areas, have the skills but not the mobility to work outside their homes. I aim to provide opportunities for them while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship.”
Another designer, Kimia Faramarzi, integrates Iran’s iconic architecture into wearable art. “We translate landmarks like the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, the Blue Mosque, and Azadi Tower into intricate designs on vests and jackets. Each piece is a fusion of regional needlework and contemporary fashion.”
By collaborating with 600 women in marginalized areas of Baluchistan, Faramarzi’s atelier ensures that every garment is both unique and socially meaningful. “Our goal is cultural diplomacy through fashion,” she explains. “Exporting these pieces is not just commerce; it’s sharing the story of Iran with the world.”
Nazie Avesta brings a modern twist to traditional needlework, blending Baluchi embroidery with denim and other contemporary fabrics. Her vests, once sidelined in Iranian wardrobes, now enjoy renewed popularity. Pricing varies based on the complexity of handwork—from 1.2 million to over four million tomans—ensuring there’s something for collectors and everyday wearers alike.
Avesta’s line also includes miniature scarves and neck accessories, bringing traditional motifs into small, versatile pieces. “Even compact data-x-items can tell a story,” she notes.
With decades of experience, veteran designer Leila Jahanandish continues to innovate by pairing natural fabrics with time-honored techniques like patchwork, felting, and hand-stitching. “We aim to merge heritage with contemporary style, creating pieces that are both wearable and meaningful,” she says.
The reception has been encouraging. Exhibitions like the ‘Iranian Vest’ showcase the creativity, skill, and cultural depth of these artisans, attracting both domestic buyers and international interest.
Tehran’s designers are proving that fashion can be more than trend—it can be a vessel for cultural memory, environmental awareness, and social empowerment. Through hand-stitched motifs, recycled fabrics, and modern silhouettes, each garment tells a story that’s uniquely Iranian, yet universally compelling.