Fashion can often be a reflection of broader political issues in addition to influencing culture. During World War I, many men were drafted to fight and, as a result, millions of jobs in the industry, government, agriculture, and general services were left vacant. Women, who had been restricted from these jobs before, took the men’s place. Not only did they step up and save many industries, but as they did, fabrics in women’s clothes became more utilitarian and the clothes themselves more practical. This marked the end of Edwardian fashion when women wore tight corsets and immobilizing long dresses. After decades of campaigning, just two years after the end of the war, women in the United States had finally achieved the right to vote. Revolutionizing style on their own terms, women had thrown off the yokes of their oppression in society. We are seeing a similar transformation today in Iran, where women’s fashion choices – mainly compelled head-covering with hijabs – are at the forefront of one of the most compelling political issues of the day.
A pioneer in pushing the narrative of how much fashion can tell us about culture is the Fashionography. The Fashionography is a creative agency and a popular digital platform that reports fashion news, with an increasing focus on how fashion is interconnected with culture. Launched just seven years ago, the brand has exploded in popularity due to its sincere focus on meaningful content in the fashion world. To this point, the Fashionography is known for its captivating digital content and voice in fashion, beauty, and creative talent. The Fashionograpy is committed to curating meaningful content that is as culturally compelling as it is societally significant. The Fashionography prides itself on being a trusted brand voice for top tastemakers, resisting falling into stale industry tropes. Simply put, The Fashionography is your favorite influencer’s favorite curation tool.
Understanding fashion’s historical role in society, the Fashionography is not afraid to influence fashion culture as well as make a socio-political stand if compelled. Making a case for sustainable practices moving forward, The Fashionography published an article last earth day highlighting eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry. Even more recently, the Fashionography, published an important article on the crisis in Ukraine, in partnership with the young generation of Ukrainian, their fears and hopes.
The Fashionography’s latest project, The Handmaid’s Tale of Iran is in collaboration with Lions Management CEO Julia Kisla and Creative Director for Fashionography Alexei Key. Written by Kisla, the project highlights Iranian models and fashion designers’ reactions to what is happening in their homeland. One model, Mya Ghorbani, lamented “before the revolution, Iran was a country where you could feel safe wearing a crop top and letting your hair blow in the wind. In Iran, it’s not the people who you should be worried about, it’s those who make the laws.” She “hopes that the laws will change, the government will change, the brutality towards women will change, and the inequality that women are experiencing will change.” Another fashion model, Mona Shahoon, wished “for a free Iran… where women can choose what to wear, where men and women can swim in the sea together, hold hands, hug, and dance on the streets.” After the recent death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman beaten to death by Iranian Morality Police for not wearing her hijab correctly, fierce protests have erupted across the country. Women brazenly dance in the streets on top of their hijabs, ripping and burning them. In response, Iran has brutally cracked down, killing protestors and arresting hundreds. Yet, Iranians, and women, in particular, have not backed down. A revolution stemmed from, and in many ways centered around, a single article of clothing. To understand just how much fashion relates to this ongoing national movement, it is necessary to turn to the experts like the Fashionography.
Additionally, the Fashionography has collaborated with many notable brands, such as Rag & Bone x The Lions Management, Stuart Weitzman, and Kenzo collaboration. The Rag & Bone x Lions collaboration was geared towards garnering mentions on Instagram and was centered around New York Fashion Week. The Stuart Weitzman seasonal campaign collaboration was handled by the Fashionography team from inception to post-production and disseminated through the major international channels. Featuring Aya Jones, the Kenzo collaboration was New York themed and prominently featured across all social media platforms.
By speaking to those in the know of both fashion and Iran, The Fashionography explores the world in a way no other fashion platform does. This authentic philosophy is resonating amongst consumers as well as some of the most important players in the space as Olivier Rousteing (CD, Balmain), Gal Gadot, Inez & Vinoodh (Photography Duo), Carols Nazario (Global Fashion Director, i-D), Mert & Marcus (photography duo), and more follow the Fashionography’s Instagram. Follow their Instagram or visit their website to stay current on the fashion industry and the Fashionography’s next projects
