Afghan Culture Shines at Vienna’s Costumes of the World Show

ADN 

Every year, Vienna hosts one of Europe’s most vibrant intercultural events: the Costumes of the World fashion show at the historic Rathaus, organized with the support of the City of Vienna. Led by the International Cultural Diversity Organization (ICDO), this year’s celebration took place on 23 September, transforming the iconic city hall into a stage of colors, fabrics, and traditions.

Founded in Vienna by two professionals with extensive international experience in diplomacy and global organizations, ICDO works to close cultural gaps through research, workshops, events, and development projects. The annual fashion show is among its most striking initiatives, bringing together communities and nations to celebrate diversity.

This year, more than 380 costumes from over 30 countries filled the Rathaus. From Paraguay to India, Bolivia to Croatia, Czechia to Azerbaijan, Kenya to Burkina Faso, Iraq, Mexico, Türkiye, Malaysia, and Afghanistan, each country was represented either by its embassy or by diaspora organizations. The evening was not only a showcase of garments but a celebration of Vienna itself—home to over 180 nationalities who live together peacefully and enrich the city with their traditions, food, ideas, and, as seen on this night, fashion.

“Vienna shines as a truly intercultural city,” one city council representative remarked, thanking ICDO and its president, Josipa Palac, for making the event possible.

The event combined grandeur with intimacy. Each costume carried stories of heritage, resilience, and creativity. As Palac reminded the audience: “Tonight is not only about beautiful garments, but about the values of diversity and creativity that make our world stronger, fairer, and more human. This is why ICDO exists—to give visibility, to connect people, and to celebrate what makes us unique yet united.”

Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation by the Afghanistan Cultural Association (AKIS), which showcased the country’s diverse cultural mosaic. Afghan men wore lungi (turban), pakol (traditional cap), and Uzbeki attire, while women appeared in vibrant gand-e Afghani dresses—colorful garments traditionally worn on festive occasions—as well as embroidered Hazaragi outfits. The collection reflected the country’s ethnic richness and centuries of craftsmanship.

Explaining the significance of their participation, AKIS president Ghousuddin Mir told ADN: “Our goal is to fight extremism, violence, and ethnic division. For this reason, we appear in this event as representatives of peace and harmony through clothing and culture. We strive to present a positive image of Afghanistan abroad.”

For Palac and many others, the evening was deeply personal. She expressed gratitude to all participating countries, her family, supporters, and colleagues who made the event possible. “Building bridges across cultures with love and openness is more important than ever,” she said, while also inviting the audience to support ICDO initiatives such as the Maya Voice project in Mexico, which works with over 50 Maya communities to safeguard cultural heritage.

As the night unfolded, the costumes became more than fashion—they became a dialogue of cultures. Each garment spoke of resilience, belonging, and shared humanity, reminding participants and audiences alike that diversity is not an abstract concept but a lived reality.

Vienna’s Costumes of the World fashion show has become more than an annual tradition. It is a testament to the city’s role as a hub of intercultural exchange and a place where the world comes together—and feels at home.