“One of the biggest challenges in launching fashion shows is the lack of fashion models,” Obeidi said. “The models keep receiving threats from conservative groups, clans and families that consider fashion shows a disgrace, and most just give up.”
Other difficulties include a lack of government subsidies, raw materials and the absence of new technologies, not to mention the low salaries in the fashion industry that drive many people away. "Consequently, there are only a few fashion shows, either by the Iraqi House of Fashion or a few personal efforts by individual designers,” Obeidi added.
But the difficulties did not stop him from using his own means to participate in a fashion show for children with cancer held July 10 in the United Nations building in Baghdad, where he displayed 28 fashion pieces that reflect the history, folklore and heritage of Iraq.
Obeidi said that many of the costumes were inspired by the different epochs of Iraqi history. “Our last production featured dresses inspired by the Assyrian deity Lamassu, statues of which [the Islamic State] destroyed in Mosul, the dress of [Sumerian] Queen Puabi, a dress from the Sumerian War and Peace mosaic" and a long robe inspired by the apparel of Assyrian women. Obeidi said the house also made a "historical royal suit, the design of which dates back to Sumerian civilization."
Obeidi noted, “The next project is to create a Sumerian guitar outfit.” This would be inspired by the decorations and structured shape of the ancient Sumerian guitar in the warm tones of brown and gold.
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