Threads of Identity - Traditional Persian Fashion Across Ethnic Regions

From the nomadic Qashqai to the elegant Gilak and Kurdish weavers, this course offers a rich visual and historical journey through Iran’s regional dress traditions. Explore how culture, geography, and symbolism are stitched into the clothing of Iran’s many ethnic groups. You'll examine embroidery, fabric, jewelry, and accessories, learning how these elements express identity and heritage. Ideal for fashion enthusiasts, textile lovers, and those interested in Persian cultural history. No prior knowledge required - just curiosity and a love for design.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Persian Costumes (Tehran University Press: 2009), ISBN: 9640343092
• Woven Identities: Tribal Dress and Textiles of Iran (I.B. Tauris: 2013), ISBN: 9781780761662
• Nomads and Nation: The Qashqai in Iran (University of Washington Press: 2000), ISBN: 9780295980026

COURSE OUTLINE

Persian Aesthetics + Qashqai & Kurdish Fashion

• Introduction to Persian visual culture: symbolism, conceptual art, nature, poetry, and Sufism in design
• Overview of Persian ethnic diversity and geography
• Qashqai Nomadic Fashion: layered textiles, tribal motifs, natural dyes, and cultural symbolism
• Kurdish Dress: vibrant fabrics, sequins, and seasonal costume changes reflecting community identity

Baluchi & Turkmen Traditional Dress

• Baluchi Embroidery: intricate needlework, color symbolism, mirror work, and desert influences
• Turkmen Attire: structured garments, silver jewelry, weaving patterns, and ceremonial aesthetics
• Discussion on regional identity, gender roles, and textile production techniques

Gilak/Mazani & Luri/Bakhtiari Styles

• Northern Iranian (Gilak/Mazani) Dress: coastal influences, light fabrics, headwear, and floral patterns
• Luri and Bakhtiari Clothing: pleated skirts, wool vests, migration patterns reflected in garments
• Exploration of climate, geography, and rural life shaping fabric and design choices

Azeri & Arab-Iranian Dress + Synthesis

• Azeri Clothing: silk fabrics, embroidery, urban vs rural styles, and cultural hybridity
• Arab-Iranian Fashion (Khuzestan): flowing garments, regional adaptations, and symbolism in jewellry

Course Wrap-up: comparative discussion, reflection on identity and preservation, and how these traditions influence modern Iranian fashion

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify key elements of traditional clothing from different Persian ethnic groups
2. Understand the symbolic meanings embedded in regional dress
3. Recognise traditional materials and textile techniques used across Iran
4. Appreciate the cultural and historical context of Persian fashion
5. Discuss how traditional dress is evolving in modern Iran