Breaking Social Norms: Afghanistan Now Has Its First Modeling Agency

In Afghanistan, modeling can be a potentially life-threatening career to pursue, especially for women. But the nation’s very first fashion school is working hard to change the conservative mindset of what it is to be a model.

Modelstan, which considers itself the “first and leading model agency in Afghanistan”, was founded by 26-year-old Hamed Valy, who was a model, actor, choreographer and fashion designer in India before moving back to Afghanistan to open up a new world of opportunities for both men and women who wish to become models.

“Afghanistan is a very religious country,” says Valy. “When a woman models, people think she is always ‘available’. We are trying to change this image.”

Valy adds that modeling teaches the young women – and men –  how to walk, make eye contact, and present themselves, helping to boost their confidence in hopes for a better life. Today, the agency, which holds events showing off both modern and Islamic fashion, boasts 60 aspiring models, 10 of whom are women.