Fashion Forecast Fall 2010

Before the holidays, I was listening to a report on Baghdad fashion trends from NPR. My first thoughts automatically made me think of these gorgeous photos by Irving Penn from Calvin Klein’s 1981 fall campaign. An incredible palette of dusty roses with earthy terracotta woven in blanket plaids and bold stripes. The signature jewelry designed by Robert Lee Morris made famous the hammered gold disc accessories of the era. Along with the wrap belts, suede textures and the leather piped coatings, the hijabs, concealing the models, finished the dramatic look. The clothing, marketed by the most American designer, evoked all the wearabilty and simplicity personified in American sportswear. Now, reconsidering the campaign, the styling is weighted in political baggage.

Fast forward 29 years, religious fanaticism of every faith has imposed itself into our daily lives, but Iraqi women now have freedom of choice from sectarian rule.