How does Safavid fashion continue to influence and inspire us today? We partnered with M7 - a centre for innovation and design - to invite five Qatar-based designers to create contemporary pieces, drawing inspiration from the items in this exhibition. 

‘Fashioning an Empire’ is by the Museum of Islamic Art, and produced by Kerning Cultures Network. 

Thank you to our partners, Qatar Museums, and M7. The Fashioning an Empire exhibition runs 23 October, 2023 - 20 April, 2024 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. 

This series is produced by Al Shaibani and edited by Hebah Fisher, with sound design by Mohamad Khreizat. 

Thank you to Marrakech Arbuckle for joining us in this episode. The designers showcased in this segment are:

• @YasminMansourOfficial 

• @arman__mansouri 

• @nf_althani

• @ronihelou

• @JwahrOfficial

Follow us @MIAQatar on Instagram to learn more about this exhibit.

The fashion and fame of Safavid silks continued even after the empire declined. In the late 19th century we saw a growing fascination with Safavid silks, starting with the Russian Ballet and Louis Cartier. And from there, sparking a whole fashion trend in Europe.

‘Fashioning an Empire’ is by the Museum of Islamic Art, and produced by Kerning Cultures Network. 

Thank you to our partners, Qatar Museums, and M7. The Fashioning an Empire exhibition runs 23 October, 2023 - 20 April, 2024 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. 

This series is produced by Al Shaibani and edited by Hebah Fisher, with sound design by Mohamad Khreizat. 

Thank you to Dr Tara Desjardins, curator at the Museum of Islamic Art, for talking to us for this episode. 

Follow us @MIAQatar on Instagram to learn more about this exhibit.

What did high-end Safavid fashion look like? One of the most luxurious textiles produced in the Safavid period in Iran was silk velvet – specifically, silk velvet with figural decoration. In addition to being visually opulent and elegant, Safavid fashion was a way of expressing political and literary messages that often indicated the status and identity of the wearer.  

‘Fashioning an Empire’ is by the Museum of Islamic Art, and produced by Kerning Cultures Network. 

Thank you to our partners, Qatar Museums, and M7. The Fashioning an Empire exhibition runs 23 October, 2023 - 20 April, 2024 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. 

This series is produced by Al Shaibani and edited by Hebah Fisher, with sound design by Mohamad Khreizat. 

Thank you to Nicoletta Fazio, curator at the Museum of Islamic Art, for talking to us for this episode, and to Dr Massumeh Farhad for helping with our research. 

Follow us @MIAQatar on Instagram to learn more about this exhibit.