Imams Behind Iranian Fashion Show
Ultra-conservative Iranian imams were behind Iran's first Islamic dress fair, a 10-day event in which religiously and socially proscribed fashions were banned in favor of head-to-toe coverings that restrict female movement, vision and social power. Among the fashions on view were ankle-length black coats and chadors, a garment that drapes a female from head-to-toe, oscuring the shape of her body and even the existence of her limbs. Aside from the mullahs and imams, Iran's police force and its commerce mininstry are also involved with the event, which is largely seen by its organizers as an attempt to battle the influence of western fashion on Iranian culture.