Talk:Farnaz Abdoli

Review

Great work! I find her story interesting, especially given the socio-cultural context. I suggest to maybe find more information about why her work is daring and as you said, she has had some problems.

Things to improve: You write: Farnaz Abdoli (aged 27) is a Iranian fashion designer who founded the brand POOSH-e MA. The brand was founded in 2011 by Abdoli herself. Here you are saying the same thing in those 2 sentences, why not merge them in one:

Farnaz Abdoli (aged 27) is an Iranian fashion designer who founded in 2011 her own brand: POOSH-e MA. You need to add in your introduction a sentence that tells the reader why is the work of Farnaz worth a while, what is interesting and unique about her work that made you want to write about her. Can you explain more about the conflict that her designs have created in Iran or with the Iranian government? Can you give some context of Iranian women's culture? Not everyone is aware of that. From where is the quote you have in her early life section? Quotes always need to be referenced.

The sentence: This is due to the Iranian Revolution, which lasted between 1978-1979, which introduced an Islamic government, as well as sanctions on women wearing a hijab and loose fitting clothing. What is the This referring to/ It is not clear at all. Can you add anything about her current work? What is she doing now? Is any of her work somewhere to see? A picture? An exhibition? Can you find them and include them? --CKuhnH (talk) 10:22, 14 January 2020 (UTC)

Farnaz Abdoli's work, particularly her Spring/Summer 2013 collection under the brand "POOSH," brought her significant international recognition. The collection, photographed in public spaces in Shiraz, featured models wearing designs that diverged from the conservative Islamic dress code. These images quickly gained traction on social media and were featured by prominent international news outlets, such as BBC Persian, BBC World News, Deutsche Welle, and Spiegel, establishing Abdoli as a prominent figure in global fashion.She and her unconventional designs are recognized as pioneers of modern youth fashion in Iran. Additionally, some media outlets refer to her designs and boldness as the "silent revolution" of Iran or a "fashion statement" for Iranian women.

Abdoli's innovative designs, which combined bold graphical elements with Iranian cultural authenticity and contemporary fashion, were celebrated by reformist media and international observers as a bold statement against traditional norms. Her work, characterized by a mix of vibrant colors and modern styles, highlighted her unique approach to fashion and stood out in the Iranian market.

Despite facing backlash from conservative Iranian media and the government, Abdoli's designs were praised for their creativity and respect for Iranian cultural values. Accused of promoting anti-Islamic values and collaborating with foreign entities, Abdoli was ultimately acquitted of these charges. Her work became a symbol of a silent revolution, representing a modern interpretation of traditional Iranian attire and advocating for civil liberties through artistic expression.

Abdoli's brand, POOSH, is notable for its innovative approach to Iranian women's fashion, offering a diverse range of manteaux and outerwear that challenge conventional styles in the Iranian market. Her focus on graphic elements, color combinations, and fabric patterns reflects her background in graphic design, distinguishing her from competitors who often prioritize clothing models over design details. Abdoli's work emphasizes personal expression within societal norms, allowing women to convey their individuality through their attire.

Her influence extends beyond fashion, marking a significant shift in social attire in post-Islamic Revolution Iran. Abdoli introduced colorful and patterned fabrics, often featuring floral designs, and made changes to traditional manteau styles. This departure from conventional designs drew criticism from conservative figures, including Tehran MP Ali Motahari, who displayed her designs in parliament as examples of corrupting women's hijab. Despite numerous legal challenges and attempts at suppression, Abdoli's work continues to symbolize a modern approach to Iranian fashion and cultural expression.

Recognized as one of the top 70 Iranian designers worldwide and listed among CNN's top 10 Dream Women of 2013, Abdoli's contributions to fashion and cultural expression remain significant. Her designs not only challenge traditional fashion norms but also highlight the dynamic interplay between modernity and tradition in Iranian society.

It is necessary to explain that:

Context of Iranian Women's Culture:

Iranian women's culture has been influenced by a variety of historical, religious, and socio-political factors. The cultural context of women in Iran is marked by unique features that have evolved significantly over time.

1. Religious and Legal Influences:
   • After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, laws and regulations regarding women’s dress and behavior were implemented. One such law required women to wear the hijab and loose-fitting clothing. These changes had a profound impact on women's lifestyle and dress.
   • In addition to the hijab, there are restrictions on women in areas such as employment, education, and participation in social activities.
2. Historical Background and Traditions:
   • Iranian culture includes specific traditions and customs in which women have historically played significant roles. These traditions encompass festivals, family ceremonies, and distinct social roles.
   • Throughout various historical periods, Iranian women have played diverse roles in fields such as literature and art. In ancient times, women were active in many areas, including cultural and artistic endeavors.
3. Modernity and Social Changes:
   • Over time, and under the influence of modernity, Iranian women have experienced substantial changes. In recent years, women have increasingly participated in educational, professional, and social spheres and have sought equal rights and opportunities.
   • Despite these advances, Iranian women face specific challenges in social and legal contexts and are working to achieve their rights and create positive changes in society.
4. Pressures and Challenges:
   • Iranian women face challenges due to strict laws and social pressures, which impact their cultural and artistic activities. Fields like fashion and art often encounter opposition and specific restrictions.

The Mahsa Amini movement in 2022 led to significant changes in Iranian society, including shifts in women's dress codes and broader social reforms. However, when Farnaz Abdoli began her career, the society was much more conservative, making any form of change extremely challenging and risky.

Kayhan London: Farnaz Abdoli, an Iranian fashion designer known for her brand "POOSH-e MA," faced significant challenges during her career due to her innovative designs that did not align with the Iranian government's standards. Abdoli began her fashion career in 2012, launching her brand with vibrant and creative designs. However, her work was met with resistance from Iranian authorities. Key Points: Abdoli was arrested twice by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Cyber Crime Department in 2013 and 2015. She was accused of promoting immorality and disrupting Iranian lifestyle, with her designs deemed as "un-Islamic" by authorities. Abdoli was detained for about a month in 2015 and later sentenced to five years in prison and a two-year ban from working in fashion. This sentence was later reduced to two years on appeal. Abdoli's arrest led to significant financial issues for her brand, with delays and cancellations affecting her operations. After her release, she found it increasingly difficult to continue her work in Iran and ultimately decided to leave the country in 2016. Abdoli reflects on her experience, noting the difficulty of continuing her creative work under such restrictive conditions and her decision to leave Iran to pursue her passion elsewhere. Prison Atlas: Link Background: Farnaz Abdoli started her artistic and economic activities focused on fashion design in Shiraz in 2011 and later moved to Tehran. In summer 2013, she faced accusations from the Tehran police of encouraging corruption and immorality, allegedly with support from Israel. She was cleared of these charges. In 2014, during mass arrests of designers, photographers, and models in Shiraz, Abdoli was also detained. She was imprisoned for a month in Shiraz and later sentenced to five years in prison, which was reduced to two years on appeal. Detainment Details: Abdoli was arrested in Tehran on March 20, 2015, and taken to Shiraz. Her personal items were confiscated, and she was held in solitary confinement. The charges against her included promoting immorality and disrupting Iranian cultural norms. She describes the harsh conditions and the lack of clear reasons for her detention, as well as the psychological impact of her experience. Abdoli's testimony highlights the struggles faced by artists and designers in Iran who challenge traditional norms and the severe consequences of such defiance. Farnaz Abdoli, fashion designer and founder of the brand "POOSH," was arrested in 2015 due to her activities in the fashion and design field. At that time, she faced accusations related to "immorality and prostitution" and "fashion and modeling operations," following intense pressures and restrictions in the cultural and artistic fields. From the beginning of her professional career in fashion design, Abdoli sought to introduce innovation and creativity into Iranian fashion. However, she faced significant opposition and restrictions from government authorities. Her modern and new clothing designs, in particular, generated dissatisfaction among Iranian officials. Due to her distinctive and unconventional designs, she was repeatedly arrested and interrogated. In 2015, Abdoli faced various legal challenges and accusations, leading to her arrest and the temporary closure of her brand "POOSH." She was initially sentenced to five years in prison and a two-year ban from fashion-related activities. This sentence was later reduced to two years in prison after an appeal. Farnaz Abdoli eventually left Iran in 2016 and continues her professional activities abroad. In an interview with Radio Zamaneh, she explained that the pressures and restrictions prevented her from pursuing her passions in Iran, leading to her decision to leave the country.

For the source of the quote:

The quote in the early life section is from one of Farnaz Abdoli's interviews with BBC Persian.

Current Work:

Farnaz Abdoli has been working on a new exclusive collection during her years of migration, which has recently been released. In her statement about the collection, she writes:

"My family and close friends know that over the past few years, I’ve been working hard on two personal collections alongside my other projects. However, due to my extreme perfectionism and obsessive tendencies, I never allowed myself to publish them. But recently, I've been thinking that I created these collections with love and for my own satisfaction.

So now, I’m ready to start sharing their stories, which are full of adventures and very exciting for me, along with their photos here with you all.

Anahita or Annahita /ɑːnəˈhiːtə/ or Ardvisura Anahita, the mother of all knowledge, the guardian of all rivers, streams, lakes, and seas of the world, the goddess of love and fertility, a source of life and energy. Within every wave and every droplet of water lies a hidden tale; a tale of lands near and far, a tale of history and culture, a tale of powerful and brave women. The story of Iranian women.

The “Splendor of Anahita” collection echoes these myths and legends. The fabrics I have chosen are predominantly inspired by metallic hues, combined with lace and guipure edges, leather straps, and metallic ornaments to depict a blend of feminine delicacy and a sense of combativeness. I have endeavored for each garment to reflect the spirit of Anahita. Each piece carries a narrative of femininity and strength, of grace and steadfastness, of beauty and wisdom within.

This collection is an invitation to enter the world of myths, a celebration of femininity and the inner power of every woman, and a reminder that within each of us lies a goddess like Anahita."

Woman-Life-Freedom

Also, during her years away from home, she has worked as a women's rights and minority activist with various organizations and foundations. In 2023, the Front Line Defenders Foundation(Front Line Defenders, or The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, is an Irish-based human rights organisation founded in Dublin, Ireland in 2001 to protect those who work non-violently to uphold the human rights of others as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ) recognized her as one of the twelve influential women of the year in their annual calendar. Marita Devore (talk) 18:43, 6 August 2024 (UTC)

@Marita Devore: That's all interesting stuff. If you can write that in a tone that is not promotional, but remains more neutral, and if you can provide reliable sources for all of the facts and quotes, this would be good material with which to expand the current article. WikiDan61^ChatMe!_ReadMe!! 12:50, 7 August 2024 (UTC)