When war interrupts Dialogue between cultures: An Independent Fashion and Lifestyle Foundation’s Story of Lost International Opportunities
The Fashion, Clothing and Lifestyle Foundation, an independent, private, nongovernmental organisation, lost valuable opportunities to participate in international projects and collaborate with leading universities and designers around the world during the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran. Its experience demonstrates that, before anything else, war disrupts the connections between people, cultures, and art.
Art, The Silent Victim of War
War does not only affect infrastructure and the economy; sometimes its first casualty is cultural dialogue among nations.
The Fashion, Clothing and Lifestyle Foundation, a private, independent, and non-profit institution, has sought over the past years to build a bridge between Iranian culture and the global community through art, fashion, and lifestyle. Our mission has always been based on cultural interaction, education, international dialogue, and the development of cooperation with artists, universities, and specialized institutions around the world.
In recent months, extensive planning has been carried out for participation in several international events and collaborations, through which, away from media attention, we have pursued the noble goal of introducing distinguished Persian clothing. These included participation in educational programs at the American University of Beirut and the organization of courses featuring the prominent Arab designer Abed Mahfouz, which could have provided a valuable opportunity for education and the exchange of experience among Iranian and regional artists.
In addition, following the successful experience of participating in Modest Fashion Abu Dhabi, we had also been invited to participate in the international Modest Fashion event in Paris. These programs could have marked a new chapter of cultural and professional cooperation between Iran and the global community.
However, the conditions resulting from the war and the restrictions imposed on air transportation and international travel effectively made our participation in these events impossible. Although our Foundation has no political or governmental affiliation and its activities are entirely cultural and private, like many independent cultural actors, it was affected by the consequences of the war; a loss that is reflected neither in economic statistics nor in military reports, yet its impact on the future of culture and art is lasting.
Despite this experience, our outlook remains focused on the future. We believe that art is the common language of humanity, and fashion and lifestyle can provide a platform for dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding of different cultures.
We consider ourselves representatives of hope, not narrators of hatred. Our mission is to restore the path of connection between the artists of Iran and the world, to develop private-sector cultural diplomacy, and to create opportunities in which creativity replaces confrontation and cooperation replaces distance.
The Foundation’s motto reflects this same belief:
“Art is more precious than any jewel.”
For us, the value of humanity, culture, creativity, and knowledge is greater than any material interest. The future we envision for Iran’s fashion industry and culture is one based on peace, cooperation, innovation, and active participation in the global community.
We hope that no artist, researcher, or cultural entrepreneur, anywhere in the world, don’t lose the opportunity for growth and interaction because of war. For whenever the path of dialogue is closed, art loses part of its voice too; and whenever peace is established, culture and art become the first bridge that brings nations close to one another once again.
