NaghmehKiumarsi was born in 1974 and found out her passion towards art and design at a very early age. Growing up in a family of tailors she knew her passion lie in the world of clothes and fashion design. As a little girl she would often design her own clothes and ask her grandmother or aunt to make it for her. Her unique sense in clothes was apparent even before she became a designer and the occasional mateaus she made for herself drew a lot of attention.
This passion led her to start her career as a fashion designer at an early age and pursue it feverently. Her works brought more attention locally and then internationally in 2003 when she launched her first line of scarves and manteaus. Her designs are inspired by Iran’s rich culture and history combining traditional elements with the needs of independent modern day woman. Her collection “Kooch” or “Migration” is a perfect example of this delicate combination. It is a collection specifically designed for the modern woman using the clothing and life style of Iranian nomads as its key inspirations.
The secret to creating such unique looks is that she is not afraid to be different and she is simply expressing herself in her designs. This can be seen in her use of vivid colors and her bold calligraphy and illustration designs using poems of famous Iranian poets. She is also a master in fusion designs and fusion fabric connecting the past and the present thus blending cultures to create designs that are modern, colorful yet compatible with social and cultural norms.
NaghmehKiumarsi believes that fashion simply helps bring out the natural beauty in things. Instead of an overpowering design that takes over the whole look, her designs encourage, empower and truly capture the essence of each character. She believes in the unique style of each person and is convinced that fashion has to help bring out those individual styles. She is optimistic about the creativity of the new generation in Iran and as an artist welcomes these changes.
In 2008 she made a design for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and continues to support charitable organizations. Her successful fashion shows in Europe in 2009 and the “A Thousand and One Nights” fashion show in Germany laid the groundwork for international recognition as she launched her fashion label in Dubai in April 2012 displaying her collection of scarves in Galeries Lafayette.
She moved to a new showroom in December 2012 presenting her collection of clothes, manteaus, scarves, accessories and her new line of home accessories. In her new line of Naghmeh Home she maintains the same spirit and creativity, bringing modern and fresh looks to the home environment.
NaghmehKiumarsi is very precise about both the quality and design of her products. Each collection has a concept that forms the designs and inspires the looks for these collections. These concepts vary depending on the mood of the artist, the environment and the situation and feel of each season. Her collection of abayas; long black flowing regal capes worn by Arab women labeled “Black Swan” and her collection “Remember to Fly” with calligraphies and handwriting and her latest winter collection named “Gozar” or “Passing” each convey a positive message. The sky is the limit is the message behind “Remember to Fly”. It is a reminder for all of us to reach for the sky and not to be afraid.
Visiting her showroom you will notice that it is not just about looking at a collection of beautiful clothes but you will see how an artist expresses herself and inspires her peers and the youth of her country through her work. NaghmehKiumarsi’s much anticipated next collection for spring is labeled “Secret of Childhood Garden”. The name suggests many great designs and we are eagerly waiting to see what she has in store for us.

Naghmeh Kiumarsi is one of the leading designers of women’s fashion wear in Iran. She compounds elements of traditional and modern to create her avant-garde creations.
How everything started for you in the field of fashion and design?
Everything started very early, when I was a little girl. In my tiny world, I was kindled by the art of painting and drawing. I always drew and designed for myself. Grandma and aunt were my inspiration. They encouraged me and guided me to free myself through my drawings. It took a while for me to gather my courage and put my drawings to a public show. It was not easy at first but I was relieved when I saw the positive feedback from the audience.
What are your major sources of inspiration?
Well, I think a combination of sentiments from everyday life plus a touch of my roots make me who I am. My designs are a depiction of who I am in that particular moment of creation. There are many personal and social triggers that bring about novel feelings in me and every new piece is an external expression of that internal sensation.
Do you accept that a part of the uniqueness of your designs come from Iranian culture?
I am more than proud to feel the cultural impacts in my works. I live in a country with more than five thousand years of history, civilization and culture. This rich background is nothing I could deny. In fact, I love the liaison of modern cuts with traditional textiles and patterns. I sometimes think that connecting contemporary aesthetics and antique ingenuity is a part of what I am delivering to fashion art as a modern Iranian designer tightly attached to where she belongs.
You’re now working with European designers and participating in international fashion shows, where do you want to take your brand? What’s the dream for your brand?
The world was never connected like this before. Blending European design with influences from Persian culture is my contribution to fashion industry.

Naghmeh Kiumarsi, renowned fashion designer and artist has launched her fashion label in Dubai, UAE. Naghmeh Kiumarsi is one of the leading fashion designers in the women’s fashion ready wear industry. Visit Galeries Lafayette to view Naghmeh Kiumarsi’s wide collection of multifunctional scarves that are available in different colors, designs and made from cotton, wool and silk. A limited edition of beautiful scarves are handmade, while some scarf designs have Persian calligraphy from the poetry of Hafez, and others have a gold plated buckle that can be used as a head scarf, a belt as well as a neck scarf. Each piece is unique with attention to detail with nostalgic influence from her country, heritage and family.
Naghmeh Kiumarsi has also launched her collection of artistic women’s ready wear, jump suits, Kurdish influenced women’s trousers, skirts and Abayas which are available at O Concept Boutique, Jumeirah, while her “Black Swan” and “Remember to Fly” Abaya Collections are available at USH boutique near Al Wasl Road.
Iranian designers and artists are paving the ground for what continues to be showcased to the international world of art, design, poetry, and cinema; Naghmeh Kiumarsi is part of that current wave of 21st century designers and artists who are spurring up from Iran. As a young girl, Naghmeh Kiumarsi was in love with painting and design; it did not take long for her to decide what she wanted to be. She started her own design career at an early age and pursued it. She started sketching at the age of 5, learned embroidery at 12 and very quickly began learning the concept of fashion and design. She is a third generation designer and gets inspiration from her 2500 years of heritage from her country which reflects the textiles, patterns, calligraphy and poetry that are reflected in her designs. In 2003, Naghmeh Kiumarsi launched her business and her first fashion line of scarves and manteaux’s. In 2009, Naghmeh showcased in Karlsruhe, Germany and since then her avant-garde creations continue to gain respect and acceptance worldwide.
“To Be or to Live”; Living is totally different from being, living means being aware of any moment and second of one’s life. As George Bernard once said, “I want to be all used up when I die….”, and I believe in that. Enjoying life and making every moment precious means living and I really try to transfer this feeling to all the women through my designs ”, says Naghmeh Kiumarsi.
Naghmeh Kiumarsi is a creative, dynamic and passionate designer who inspires her peers and the youth of her country through her work. Her atelier is her Mecca and her colleagues are part of her every lasting design and creation. As a postmodern designer, she compounds elements of tradition with modern arrangements and textures to get a fresh definition of a woman’s style. The passion for Iranian poetry can vividly be seen in her works, in form of calligraphy or illustration of poems. She is a master in blending colors to express her unique form and concept in her “inspirational” designs. In 2008, Naghmeh Kiumarsi made a design for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and continues to support international charitable organizations.
Naghmeh Kiumarsi’s Abaya Collection, titled, “Black Swan” was inspired by the UAE and each piece is an intricate creative piece with detailed symbolism of the nation. Every piece has a name that is a reflection of the Emirates and the feminine core nature of a woman.
Naghmeh Kiumarsi is on her way to become an international brand and she is currently working with European designers and participates in international fashion events to show case her work which are truly hers, unpredictable and unprecedented. Naghmeh Kiumarsi’s collection is available at O Concept, Jumeirah, Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall and USH boutique on Al Wasl Road.

Designer Naghmeh Kiumarsi has led the way, converting the classic hijab into chic headcover. She also transformed the manteau—a long, loose coat—into sassy jackets that would pass as top-line fashion in any European capital. Kiumarsi’s work is unique for its use of traditional Iranian textiles and Persian poetry. Her scarves carry decorative calligraphy and images from some of the most popular Iranian poems.
“The ideas in my designs come directly from the experiences of my life combined with the courage to express them through the textures and forms,” Kiumarsi said. “’Remember to Fly,’ my latest collection, conveys the positive message that the sky is the limit. If we want to kiss the sky, we should remember to fly and not be afraid.”

Viele Iraner feiern. Nicht nur das Ende des Ramadans. Sondern auch das erfolgreiche Ende der Atomverhandlungen. Es ist als ob das Land einen Aufbruch erlebt. Sanktionen sollen fallen, eingefrorene Gelder in westlichen Ländern sollen freigegeben werden und Firmen aus allen Kontinenten stehen Schlange, um zu investieren. Das Land öffnet sich wirtschaftlich und – so hoffen vor allem jüngere Iraner – auch kulturell. Das ist zu spüren bei jungen Designern und Filmemachern genauso wie in der gerade entstehenden Startup-Szene in Teheran. Eine aktuelle Reportage von ARD-Korrespondentin Natalie Amiri (ARD Teheran).
Chance, ein neues Bild des Iran zu zeigen
Naghmeh Kiumarsi ist eine der bekanntesten Modedesignerinnen im Iran. Sie entwirft schon seit langem in ihrem Atelier die bunt bedruckten Mäntel und Kopftücher, verkauft sie sogar ins Ausland. Wenn sie in Europa ist, muss sie immer wieder gegen das Bild der schwarz gekleideten Frau im Iran ankämpfen. “Ich selber bekomme meine Inspiration und Ideen aus der iranischen Kultur. Und da waren die Stoffe schon immer bunt. Die Welt hat oft eine falsche Vorstellung von uns und ich freue mich unglaublich, dass wir jetzt die Möglichkeit haben, ein schönes und besseres Bild des Iran zu zeigen.”
Modedesignerin Naghmeh KiumarsiModedesignerin Naghmeh Kiumarsi
Aber auch wenn die Designerin das Straßenbild durch ihre Mäntel hat bunter werden lassen, aufgrund der Sanktionen konnten sich immer weniger Menschen ihre Designerstücke leisten. “Es kann sein, dass vielleicht eine kleine auserwählte Gruppe von Menschen die Sanktionen nicht gespürt haben. Aber wir waren alle Teil eines großen Kreislaufes. Wenn die Menschen nichts mehr verdienen, können sie sich keinen Mantel bei mir leisten und ich kann niemanden anstellen. So hängen wir alle voneinander ab. Aber jetzt hoffe ich sehr auf Besserung.” Sie designt im Kopf schon die nächste Kollektion und hofft, dass sich jetzt nach dem Atomdeal auch wieder mehr Touristen in ihr Land trauen, die dann auch sicher in einem ihrer Mäntel durch die Straßen Teherans laufen wollen.

Von Iran nach Usbekistan. Noch immer lässt sich die bedeutendste Handelsstraße von einst erkennen: die Seidenstraße, die schon vor Jahrhunderten Asien mit Europa verband.
Fotoshooting einer jungen iranische Modedesignerin; Quelle: Ingo Aurich
Fotoshooting über den Dächern von Teheran
Dienstag, 25. September 2012 – Teheran ist ein Moloch. 12 Millionen Einwohner. Und alle fahren gleichzeitig mit dem Auto.
Verstopfte Straßen. Hubkonzerte. Smog. Und trotzdem funktioniert die Stadt Tag für Tag. Das Erziehungsministerium hat uns im Hotel Laleh, einem großen Konferenzhotel untergebracht. Es verströmt realsozialistischen Charme.
Am Morgen wollen wir Stadtimpressionen drehen. Doch Teheran macht es uns nicht leicht. Optisch ist die iranische Hauptstadt nicht gut einzufangen. Wir halten am “kleinen Bazar”, dann fahren wir an der ehemaligen US-Botschaft vorbei.
Ein Schauplatz der Geschichte: 444 Tage lang hielten Anhänger des Revolutionsführers Ayatollah Khomeini 1979-81 das Gebäude besetzt, um die Auslieferung des gestürzten Schahs zu erreichen. Seitdem gilt das Verhältnis zwischen den USA und dem Iran als höchst gespannt.
Vor dem Bazar dreht Thomas eine große Gruppe Männer. Sie feilschen und wedeln mit Geldscheinen. Das ist die Börse der Schwarzhändler. Hier werden die immer wertloseren iranischen Geldscheine gegen Dollar oder Euro getauscht. Der Verfall der iranischen Währung ist dramatisch, der offizielle Geldfluss durch die Sanktionen des Westens gestoppt.
Am Nachmittag können wir im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes durchatmen: Wir sind eingeladen, auf dem Dach eines Hochhauses im Norden von Teheran ein Foto-Shooting zu drehen. Naghmeh Kiumarsi ist eine erfolgreiche, junge Modedesignerin.
Ihr Rezept: Sie kombiniert edle Stoffe und Formen mit den islamischen Bekleidungsvorschriften. Das Verhüllungsgebot für Frauen interpretiert sie höchst gekonnt. Sie geht an die Grenzen dessen, was die strengen Sittenwächter vorgeben. Die beiden Models posieren elegant vor der Kamera. Der Fotograf berichtet, sie seien fast die einzigen, die man in Teheran bekommen könne.
Nach mehr als drei Wochen in islamisch geprägten Ländern genießen wir den Anblick der beiden Schönheiten. Im Stadtbild haben wir nur verschleierte Frauen gesehen. Lediglich ein schwacher Trost ist ein islamisches Sprichwort: Schleier und Gewand dienten allein dem einen Zweck, die Schönheit der Frauen zu schützen. So wie eine Muschel die Perle.

Galeries Lafayette has the pleasure of introducing Naghmeh Kiumarsi, one of the leading Iranian designers in the women’s fashionwear. Check out her wide collection of scarves that come in different colors and designs and made from cotton, wool and silk.A beautiful collection, of which some are limited edition hand made, some have Persian Calligraphy from the poetry of Hafez, and some have a gold-plated buckle and can be used as a head scarf, a belt as well or a neck scarf. Visit us at Galeries Lafayette and discover this wonderful brand.