Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
My name is Azin. I was born and grew up in Shiraz, Iran. And now it has been more than 5 years I’m living in Paris.
My name means beautifying. It is also the name of a commander in Sassanid Dynasty. I have a deep-seated desire to see greater social justice and equality for women. That is why I refer to myself as a warrior of beauty.
IFA Paris Alumna Azin Moghaddam’s Final Collection (2020)
My path has been a self-recognition journey, as a woman as well as a designer. Every day I strive to explore and express my identity through my designs. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my skills to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world.
Which program did you follow at IFA Paris and what did you like about studying here?
Studying a Bachelor Fashion Design & Technology at IFA Paris fashion school was an amazing experience for me. One of the best aspects of the program was the diversity of students, which allowed me to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. This not only helped me to broaden my perspective and knowledge of the world, but also gave me the opportunity to learn from other students’ unique perspectives on fashion while explore different design and production techniques.
Moreover, I found the curriculum to be comprehensive and well-structured, covering the fundamental principles of fashion design while also providing a platform to collaborate and work effectively in teams.
IFA Paris Alumna Azin Moghaddam’s Final Collection (2020)
You had a round table with our CEO Jean-Baptiste Andreani at Fashion Revolution about fashion and migration. Can you tell us about it?
Yes, we have talked about what it is like to be a woman in Iran, how my passion for fashion developed and how migration has shaped me.
While growing up in Iran, I have seen a lot of injustice and discrimination against women. I have developed so much compassion and determination to help people whenever I can. Therefore, helping people became one of my core values. Since the murder of Mahsa Amini, I have been paralyzed and grieved for the women and men of Iran, with the families that have lost their kids, imprisoned, or tortured. I was triggered by my traumas again and I felt helpless as I could not see how I could help this situation. I was in constant search of ways to help my people. Eventually after two months, I realized I have to use my talents to portray what is happening in Iran. Through the perspective of my own personal journey, I want to convey a message of freedom to a broader audience, and to the fashion world at large.
You are currently building a new collection, and your own brand. What message do you want to convey with your creations?
IFA Paris Alumna Azin Moghaddam’s Final Collection (2020)
The collection I’m working on is called ‘Breaking Free’. It consists of iconic pieces that not only reflect my personal history but also aim to shed light on the current situation in Iran and support the emerging movements striving for liberation in the country. As someone who strongly believes in promoting women’s rights, this collection is an embodiment of my core values. My personal vision is free from any censorship, which is often imposed on us in Iran, as well as on many other women.
The ‘Breaking Free’ collection is all about celebrating individuality and self-expression. It’s designed to empower people to break free from societal constraints and embrace their unique identities. Through this collection, I hope to make a statement about the importance of self-expression and the freedom of choice. The collection features bold and creative designs, including unique embellishments such as hair, crystals, and embroidery. They all have a symbolic meaning, either an object of threat to the regime, metaphorical tears of parents who have lost their children or bullets.
My goal is to help individuals feel confident in who they are and to encourage them to express themselves through the clothes they wear. The ‘Breaking Free’ collection is a tribute to the courageous women and men of Iran who are fighting against injustice.
IFA Paris Alumna Azin Moghaddam’s Final Collection (2020)
Finally, a word to conclude…
My hope for the future is that one day all the women of the world, especially in Iran, will be freed from all the shackles of oppression, suppression and gender inequality. Feminine leadership can no longer be ignored!
I also want to share a piece of advice with my fellow youngsters: never let self-doubt or fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” It’s essential to push past the limitations we impose on ourselves and take risks to achieve our goals.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself and let your unique voice and perspective shine. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there, but it’s crucial to remember that your ideas and creativity are valuable. Take pride in your individuality and embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Remember that every successful person has faced setbacks and obstacles along the way. It’s how we choose to respond to these challenges that shapes our character and ultimately determines our success. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve.
This creative undergraduate program Azin graduated from is available on campus as well as online, more infos can be found here: Bachelor Fashion Design & Technology