This photo series documents women’s clothing styles in 2008, thirty years after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. It explores how women navigate and express themselves within the constraints imposed by political and religious pressures.
Women in Iran have experienced pressure from both political and religious arenas. After the establishment of the Islamic Republic (1979–present), they were compelled to wear the hijab. Several years of restrictions have turned Iran’s society, particularly the younger generation, into a complex case study where the effects of force and obligation can be observed.
In this photo series, each portrait depicts a woman in her everyday outdoor clothing in 2008, revealing how she negotiates these obligations. Although their personal stories and attitudes toward these rules may differ, they share a common thread: the desire to express identity and individuality through clothing, even within restrictive cultural and governmental frameworks.
Through these images, the project highlights the resilience and subtle forms of resistance displayed by Iranian women, showing how clothing can serve as a medium for personal expression, social commentary, and the ongoing struggle for freedom.
Following the Women, Life, Freedom movement in September 2022, Iranian women’s efforts to reclaim their freedom have grown even stronger. The government has responded with punitive measures, including arrests and fines, yet these actions have not deterred their determination.
Zohre Kord 