In a worn-torn country like Afghanistan, it can be difficult to think 
about anything more than trying to survive. However, Italian designer, Gabriella Ghidoni, along with an Afghan design partner are trying to change that. They hosted a fashion show in Afghanistan, a place that hasn't seen a catwalk in decades. The models were not Afghan because many of the families still will not allow the women to participate in an event like this.
I'm sure there are some people in Afghanistan that are happy about this. It symbolizes the coming out of their culture. However, there are people like Riaz who wonder, "Why is it amazing that women of any culture would be interested in the lastest and greats 'looks' that would be available to them. The assumption that if you wear burka that you cease to care about how you look seems as if it requires a certain naivity. What they fail to realize is that fashionable clothes aren't worn to attract men as much as they are to show off to other women."
I can also see that there is probably concern in the Muslim world that this idea of showing off fashion detracts one from thinking about God. However, we can't neglect the fact that we all have to wear clothing. Why can't we have choices about our style of dress? I don't recall ever reading in the Quran that it is unlawful to desire fashionable clothing (And yes, I've read most of The Holy Book).
However you look at it - it certainly is progress and keeps us from thinking that Afghanistan is just a place of poverty and war. The people there are trying to pick up the pieces from the past and want to establish a more "normal" life - whatever that may mean to them. If it means having a fashion show, then why not?
Photo Credit: Ahmad Masood/Reuters
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