Iranian Minister says Iran seeks cultural values in dress code

TEHRAN, March 4 (MNA) – “We are looking for cultural values instead of business in the arena of fashion and dress,” Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Hosseini said in the inaugural ceremony of the 7-day fashion and dress festival here on Thursday. It is the first festival of its kind in Iran. “A number of 2,780 works is presented to the first festival, which proves the efforts of fashion designers,” said Hosseini, adding, “We hope that the advantages of the festival would influence the whole society with the support of Ministries of Industry and Trade and Seda and Sima (national television)”. The minister went on to say that hijab is the manifestation of piety and dignity for women, stressed Hosseini. Cultural symbol Keyvan Sohrabi, the festival secretary, said, “I hope that the seed of the first festival will change into a huge tree that the Iranian people will benefit from its sweet fruits in the future.” Dress is a cultural symbol in every society, Sohrabi said, adding, “Dress is not only used to cover body and protect it from cold but it is a sign of civilization and progress.” Giving an extravagant attention to the outfit is also an improper habit, he concluded.