Kurdish designer Lara Dizeyee presented her latest collection at Milan Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2026, blending heritage with modern fashion. Her show drew international praise, especially from Italian lawmaker Monica Ciaburro, who described it as a celebration of the “magical world” of Kurdish culture.
On the sidelines of the event, Ciaburro stressed that such cultural showcases play a vital role in diplomacy. She said they strengthen international ties and allow the world to discover the richness of Kurdish traditions. She added that Dizeyee’s collection felt like “entering a magical and captivating world” that reflected the strength and resilience of Kurdish heritage.
Dizeyee, born in Vienna to a Kurdish family in exile and raised in the United States, has gained international recognition for her haute couture. Her work merges traditional Kurdish designs with modern trends, making her one of the most distinctive voices in global fashion.
In 2023, she became the first Kurdish designer to present a heritage-inspired collection at Paris Fashion Week. This year in Milan, she unveiled Milan Enchanted, a 30-piece collection inspired by Kurdish history, culture, and mythology. Highlights included a piece symbolizing the Erbil Citadel, another inspired by Newroz, and a design representing Queen Ashtar from the Sumerian era. She also presented creations dedicated to Yazidi heritage and Rojhelat.
One of the most powerful designs, titled The Widow, honored Kurdish women who lost husbands to war. Dizeyee closed the show with a tribute to the Kurdistan flag, moving many in the audience to tears.
“I wanted to honor Kurdish women and their sacrifices with strength and beauty,” Dizeyee said. “This collection tells our stories with pride.”
Her performance in Milan placed her alongside world-famous brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Prada, while firmly establishing Kurdish fashion on the global stage.