Today’s fashionable young Iraqi woman isn’t necessarily wearing a hijab. In fact, according to an intriguing programme on America’s NPR network, short skirts, tight jeans with long boots, and short jackets for cold days are all the rage on the streets of Baghdad this winter.
Since 2003, the classic look for Baghdad ladies was modest; even if a woman was wearing a slinky back dress, she would typically have to be covered top to toe in an abeya. But this winter, attitudes are mellowing in parts of the Iraqi capital and new trends are being set and embraced by the city’s women.
Baghdad’s Beauty Pageant
Social venues are proving particularly open to embrace new fashions: Baghdad’s Hunt Club, in the city’s chic Mansoor district is an exclusive hob-nobbing spot for Iraq’s hip crowd. This upscale venue dates back to the era of Saddam Hussein’s rule, but sectarian violence that followed the 2003 US invasion dampened the party vibe, one which is now, by all accounts, experiencing a renaissance.
The Club recently even hosted it’s own beauty pageant, as an excited crowd encouraged over a dozen contestants (only one of whom was wearing a headscarf.) The remaining Iraqi beauties paraded before delighted onlookers in stilettos, miniskirts, and all manner of other slinky, snug and formerly unimaginable outfits. Yasameen Kanaan, a stunning high school senior in hip-hugging jeans was crowned the pageant queen.
Fashion: A Fickle or Faithful Friend?
Despite the apparent safety and liberalism of social clubs such as The Hunt Club, the contestants concur that it could be several years before more revealing clothing makes a regular daily appearance on the streets of Baghdad.
According to young hairdresser, Rana Mohammed, the wheels of change are certainly in operation, and manned by well-manicured hands. Iraqi women that flock to her salon love to read fashion magazines and to discuss tips and trends.
Ali Mohammed, a fashion storeowner who also features in the NPR broadcast says the new trends are not really about fashion, but freedom.
“Iraqi women ought to be free to wear whatever they like. They should be free to choose hijab if they wish, or they ought to be able to express themselves with Western clothing.” – he affirms.
