Cherwell Collective’s WISH team has been delighted to host Iraqi Women Art and War, CIC (IWAW) at its premises in Kidlington to engage in sustainable fashion projects. 

A woman takes a selfie with other women and children whilst they work on sewing sustainable fashion designs

IWAW members, including Founder and Director Rana Ibrahim, at WISH, where they developed garments and items for the Re:Fashion Show at Blenheim Palace.

Who are IWAW?

In July and August, and in the lead up to the Sustainable Re-Fashion Show at Blenheim Palace on the 24th of September, the group was based on site at WISH for one day a week. 

4 women, sat on a bench, smile and wave at a camera from a distance.

IWAW members outside WISH Headquarters in Kidlington.

IWAW is an Oxford-based CIC that promotes women’s and children’s rights through creative expression in art as well as cooking. The organisation, whose members derive inspiration from Iraqi artists in addition to experience in Iraq and relocation, uses recycled and upcycled items in its work.

A woman walks a sustainable fashion runway in a white bridal gown splattered with blood.

A repurposed wedding dress highlighted the issues of forced and child marriage, featured at Blenheim Palace Re:Fashion Show. Photography by Keiko Ikeuchi.

IWAW members reported the benefits of our collaboration extending beyond facilitation of their creative processes, for as we allow women to bring children on site, we removed a barrier to access for three different designers. These individuals reported they would not have been able to participate if we had not welcomed children. Future ideas for collaboration include seeking funds for a creche to provide childcare on site. This would allow even more time to be dedicated to creation while providing the same opportunity for carers. 

Further, the creative time at WISH overlapped with the violent race riots in 2024 in the United Kingdom following false far right claims that stabbings were caused by muslims. IWAW creators described fearing the consequences of leaving their homes, and being especially afraid for their children at the time. However, IWAW managed to travel to WISH for creation, describing gratitude for having a safe and accepting place during a dangerous time. In fact, Oxford residents rallied for anti-fascist resistance and the local race riots that had been threatened were quashed by the movements of hundreds of people making it very clear racism is not acceptable here. 

IWAW at Re:Fashion Runway Sustainable Fashion Show

IWAW director, Rana Ibrahim (pictured below), designed her abaya using reused materials . The Abaya showcased the beauty of Iraq, as well as incorporating paintings that highlight the strength of Iraqi women. The abaya is decorated with ancient cuneiform script, symbolising women as mothers, daughters, and sisters. It also includes representations of goddesses, colourful depictions of Baghdad’s architecture, and items of jewellery. The crown represents the ancient goddess of Iraq, Ishtar.

A woman smiles wearing the sustainable fashion she created. Her lips are painted gold to match her gold star crown and the golden cuneiform on her black dress.

IWAW Director Rana Ibrahim carrying artwork by IWAW member and Iraqi artist Nada al-Rawi, whose work inspired other items featured in the show. 

We greatly appreciated the opportunity to support IWAW’s participation in our sustainable fashion show and look forward to further developing our partnership. 

A group of women smile at the camera wearing vibrant, sustainable fashion. Many of the women are in traditional Iraqi dress.

Cherwell Collective Director, Dr Emily Connally, with IWAW group at Blenheim Palace Re:Fashion Show. Photography by Keiko Ikeuchi.

subsequently, we are preparing a mobile display unit for Rana’s  “LGBT robe” which outlines the challenges of queer life. We will be adding this piece to our touring Carbon Cost of Fashion exhibit.  

Cherwell Collective’s Carbon Cost of Fashion Exhibit will be on tour at several locations in Oxfordshire this autumn: 

  • Begbroke Science Park Farmhouse, OX5 1PF
    • Science Wonder Discovery Evening
    • Tuesday October 22nd 5 – 8pm 
  • St. Mary’s Church, Church Green, Witney, OX28 4AW
    • Friday 25th October – Wednesday 6th November
    • 8:30 am – 6:00 pm 
  • St Anne’s College, 56 Woodstock Rd, OX2 6HS
    • Porters Lodge, Library, and MOLT
    • Monday November 11th – Saturday November 23rd 
  • Over Norton Village Hall, Choicehill Road, OX7 5PP 
    • Transition Chipping Norton
    • Friday 29th November 5pm – 8pm