Iranian women look hip despite strict religious dress laws (Picture: Barcroft)

If you’ve ever been to Iran, you’ll know one hard and fast fact – Iranian women are hip AF.

Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, religious dress codes have been enforced in the country – meaning women need to cover their hair, neck and arms in public.

But when he travelled to the country, French photographer Eric Lafforgue found that this wasn’t stopping Iranian women pushing the boundaries to express themselves and look incredible.

(Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft)

‘I read so many things about chadors and the rules in Iran, I wanted to see this by myself and to ask people directly how they deal with [the rules],’ 52-year-old Eric said.


Talabeh Today: Everybody’s loving these Iranian Imams of Instagram

‘Iranian women are crazy about selfies and Instagram – so pictures are familiar to everybody.’



Unfortunately, this can lead to clashes between women and the authorities.

‘I saw many situations where the women had problems with the religious police.’

(Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft) (Picture: Barcroft)

But this is no surprise – before the revolution imposed strict religious rules, the country was known for being fashion-forward.

This is how women in Iran used to dress before 1979

And now, even with strict dress code in place, Iran and Persian culture influences global fashion

Many high-profile women in Iran have been protesting against the restrictive laws that require them to cover up.

Sadaf Taherian, for example, sparked controversy last year when she posted Instagram photos of herself unveiled.