TEHRAN — Tehran Province Fashion and Clothing Working Group has held its second meeting, emphasizing greater coordination among government institutions, professional associations and industry representatives to support domestic clothing production, strengthen Iranian design and expand employment opportunities in the apparel sector.
The meeting brought together representatives from cultural, economic, educational and media institutions, including officials from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Tehran Education Department, the Planning and Budget Organization and national media representatives.
Participants highlighted the need for continued cooperation among government bodies, trade unions, specialized associations and public organizations to address challenges facing Iran’s fashion and clothing sector.
Mohsen Gorji, secretary of the Fashion and Clothing Working Group of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution’s Public Culture Council, said developing Iranian-Islamic clothing and clarifying the responsibilities of institutions involved in the sector were among the group’s key priorities.
He said a clearer division of responsibilities among relevant bodies was necessary to prevent overlapping activities and ensure that provincial capacities could be directed toward shared goals.
Gorji also emphasized the economic potential of the fashion and clothing industry, saying the sector could play an important role in job creation. Supporting designers, manufacturers and other professionals, he added, could contribute to the growth of related businesses and strengthen domestic production.
He further called for a cultural approach toward changing trends in clothing and lifestyle, stressing the importance of using artistic, media and social capacities to engage with evolving patterns of dress and consumption.
Hojatoleslam Hussein Maleki, adviser to the minister of culture and director general of the Tehran Province Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance, called for regular meetings of the working group with active participation from all member institutions.
He also stressed the importance of including clothing producers, unions and market representatives in discussions, saying those directly involved in production and distribution could provide practical perspectives on industry challenges and possible solutions.
Maleki noted that changes in social attitudes and values had been influenced by factors including education, technological developments and the expansion of digital platforms. He said cultural education and responsible use of technology should be prioritized alongside policy measures.
According to Maleki, cultural awareness should begin from early childhood and continue through schools, universities, families and social institutions.
He also highlighted the role of young people, grassroots groups and digital content creators in shaping cultural trends, saying cultural change requires public participation rather than relying only on official directives.
The meeting also discussed the role of online platforms and short-form digital content in communicating cultural messages, with participants emphasizing the need to use social media capacities more effectively.
Among the proposals raised was the possibility of developing an ethical framework for clothing producers through cooperation with industry associations and unions. Such a framework, participants suggested, could establish professional standards and encourage producers working within the country’s cultural priorities.
The working group also stressed the importance of studying Iran’s historical clothing traditions and using research on social attitudes and cultural values to improve policymaking in the fashion sector.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued cooperation among government institutions, professional organizations and industry representatives to advance the cultural and economic goals of Iran’s fashion and clothing sector.