Fashioning an Empire

The fashion and fame of Safavid silks continued even after the empire declined. In the late 19th century we saw a growing fascination with Safavid silks, starting with the Russian Ballet and Louis Cartier. And from there, sparking a whole fashion trend in Europe.

‘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 Empi...

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 pr...

How do you capture Iran’s third largest city in one painting? In the 1600s, Isfahan served as the capital of the Safavid Empire and one of the biggest cities in the world at the time. Larger than Paris, London, or Tokyo. Isfahan was built on the back of the silk trade. Its rich and noble history makes it an important city in the Islamic world. 

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

How did this exquisite piece of silk come to be made? Safavid textiles are among the most sophisticated and complex textiles ever produced. Rich colours, intricate figures, shimmering surfaces… silk production was coveted in Safavid Iran during the late 1600s. 

‘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...

Who are these two larger-than-life portraits welcoming you into the exhibit? Their elegant fashion is a fantastic introduction to the important role one textile in particular played in the Safavid empire: silk. 

‘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...

…we’re unravelling threads of Safavid elegance. Each story will take us on a journey back in time – and, if you’re at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, you’ll be able to follow along with the exhibition in front of you. For those of you listening at home: sit back and let your imagination take you to the early 1600s… 

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

Thank yo...