About



I am Maryam Entezami

A fashion researcher, designer, lecturer and storyteller dedicated to exploring the relationship between fashion, culture and identity.


Fashion Found Me


Fashion was never a path I consciously chose. In many ways, it found me.


Born in Iran, raised first in Iran and later in Turkey, and now based in the Netherlands, I have experienced life through different cultures. This journey has shaped not only who I am, but also how I see the world. Through fashion, I found a deeper understanding of both my own identity and the cultures that have influenced my life.




Persian Fashion Beyond a Single Image


When I began researching Persian fashion, my goal was to show that it is far more than the image of the chador so often associated with Iran. Behind that single image lies one of the world’s oldest and richest fashion traditions—a history spanning thousands of years, remarkable craftsmanship, vibrant textiles, and the extraordinary diversity of Iran’s regional and ethnic costumes.




Rediscovering a Forgotten Legacy


As my research expanded, I came to realise that Persian fashion is not only a story of the past—it has also played a significant role in shaping the history of fashion itself. Many elements that continue to influence fashion today, including tailored garments, trousers, riding attire, layered silhouettes and other enduring design traditions, can be traced back to ancient Persia. Yet these contributions are rarely recognised. Bringing this overlooked history to light has become one of the driving forces behind my work.





More Than Clothing


My research also led me to another important realisation: clothing is never just about what we wear. It reflects history, culture and identity—but above all, it speaks of freedom. Fashion matters, but the freedom to choose what we wear matters even more. This belief has become a guiding principle throughout both my research and my creative work.




What I Do Today


Today, I combine historical research, fashion, illustration and storytelling to make Persian fashion history accessible to contemporary audiences. Through lectures, creative projects and collaborations, I hope to inspire a broader appreciation of fashion as a cultural language that connects people across time, cultures and generations.




Looking Ahead


My ambition is to preserve this remarkable heritage and create meaningful work that will continue to inspire future generations—researchers, designers, students and anyone curious about the history of fashion.


I believe that understanding where fashion comes from helps us better understand not only what we wear, but who we are.