4: Safavid Fashion: A Feast for the Senses

What did high-end Safavid fashion look like? One of the most luxurious textiles produced in the Safavid period in Iran was silk velvet – specifically, silk velvet with figural decoration. In addition to being visually opulent and elegant, Safavid fashion was a way of expressing political and literary messages that often indicated the status and identity of the wearer.  

‘Fashioning an Empire’ is by the Museum of Islamic Art, and produced by Kerning Cultures Network. 

Thank you to our partners, Qatar Museums, and M7. The Fashioning an Empire exhibition runs 23 October, 2023 - 20 April, 2024 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. 

This series is produced by Al Shaibani and edited by Hebah Fisher, with sound design by Mohamad Khreizat. 

Thank you to Nicoletta Fazio, curator at the Museum of Islamic Art, for talking to us for this episode, and to Dr Massumeh Farhad for helping with our research. 

Follow us @MIAQatar on Instagram to learn more about this exhibit.