WATCH: Kurdistan Region hosts first ever Kurdistan Fashion Week

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – For the first time, the Kurdistan Region is host to the Kurdistan Fashion Week where foreign and local Kurdish designers, boutiques, and brands will showcase their upcoming collections.

The three-day event began on Sunday and will continue until Tuesday at the Divan hotel in the Kurdistan Region capital of Erbil.

Kurdistan 24 spoke with Helaz, one of the designers, who is also a volunteer manager at the fashion week. She described the event as important for Kurdistan’s development.

“I am thrilled that we have a Kurdish fashion week because it means our nation is moving forward,” Helaz stated.

“We have lots of young women and men participating. Most of these models and designers are Kurds from all parts of [the Greater] Kurdistan.”

According to Helaz, 32 designers will showcase their collections during the three-day event which features various styles including traditional Kurdish clothing.

Kurdistan Fashion Week Co-Founder Ibrahim Barwari told the event’s website that he is delighted with the reaction the fashion week has received.   

“I’m delighted to have reached this level and am very happy to have begun the event,” Barwari said. “It is an important event with lots of models and designers.”

“I am pleased with the work we put into this event. A lot of people have come out to enjoy this week.”

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Tourism is supporting the Fashion Week which is the first of its kind in Kurdistan and Iraq.