When Afghans had fashion 60's, 70's, and 80's.

So, apparently, Afghan women used to be fashionable.  Wait, WHAT?  They still are!  Every Afghan i've met (and that is a lot) is very fashionable.  This shows how it used to be before the wars and before the burqa was imposed on every Afghan woman. 

*disclaimer- This does not depict the whole country, or every Afghan woman*

Fashion model - early 70's.

Fashion show either in 1969 or 1970.

same fashion show - note the length of her dress

Same show - note the rifle!

Daughter of the King at a public venue - 1969

Fashion designer in Kabul 1969 or 1970.

Womens Rally 1980

Ustad Farida Mahwash - famous singer - 1970's

A class/meeting for women - around 1980.

A farm worker around 1980.

Milk distribution - approx 1984

Girl guides - most likely in the 70's.

A university Home Economics class demonstration around 1984.

Lab technician in the 1980's.

Arzu Studio Hope is a non-profit that provides employment for Afghan women.  Click here to view information about what they do and for a link to their website. 

Afghan women in the 1940's

This photo was taken in the 1940's.

I wonder where they are now?

To see photos of Afghanistan in the 40's, 50's, and 60's click here.

Afghanistan in the 60's and 70's... with or without burqas?

Here are some pictures of Afghanistan in the 60's and 70's.  I'm focusing mostly on women as you can see because what women wear in Afghanistan is a topic that really matters.

*disclaimer - these pictures do not represent the whole country.  Most of them were taken in large cities, and were not taken by me.*

This picture is interesting because you can see 4 distinct styles of clothing.  From a burqa, to a skirt and sweater. 

A classroom with women and men in it.  Stylish women too, and head coverings optional. 

This picture actually really touched me.  A school arts & crafts show!  Notice there is painting, calligraphy, sewing, embroidery, etc....    This young student, whoever she is, was in school and encouraged to not only learn but to create something beautiful for others to enjoy.  I used to enjoy participating in the exact same types of shows when I was that age. 

Students walking.

School girls in their uniforms.

Another Street Scene

Street market next to a modern building - taken in the 70's 

Now this is an interesting picture - these are some stylish looking people!  I believe this was some sort of event for one of Kabul's radio stations. (70's)

Students in 1980.

Some sort of park or university campus.

 Nice swanky tourist hotel.

The city skyline of downtown Kabul - I think it looks pretty.

I believe this is the Afghan version of Girl Scouts.

And finally, a burqa. I mean..... a woman wearing a burqa. Sorry, but when you look at that outfit you don't think "a woman" you just think "a burqa". I guess that's the point of burqas in the first place! 

To see more of Afghanistan in the 60's and 70's click here.

To see Kabul in the 80's click here.

For information about Afghanistan's Mineral Resources (and precious gems) click here.  You can buy jewelry made in & from Afghanistan!