Fashion historians make the distinction between fashion, a constantly changing phenomenon, and clothing, a necessity for protection and propriety. Some have even gone so far as to insist that fashion is a distinctly “Western” phenomenon, since the clothing styles of less industrialized societies does not change much over time. Well, I say: Give me clothes over fashion any day.
I was reminded of this in a New York Times article about an Iranian designer, Simin Ghodstinat, who makes inspiring clothes based on traditional Asian patterns. Her aim is to make beautiful designs that are still modest. Although this is not her overt purpose, in the process she protects Iranian women from prosecution under the state regulated dress codes. Although she calls her line “Tradition,” she alters old lines significantly, changing the cut and the fit, sometimes transforming traditional men’s styles for women. Most of all, she has innovated with fabric, using the bright colors of Indian textiles. The result is timeless, not disposable.
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