Fashion Is Freedom: How a Girl from Tehran Broke the Rules to Change Her World
The inspiring true story of how courage, a dream, and some needle and thread can change a life forever...
Since she was young, Tala Raassi knew her fate lay in fashion. But growing up in her beloved homeland of Iran, a woman can be punished for exposing her hair in public, let alone wearing the newest trends. Despite strict regulations, Tala developed a keen sense of style in backroom cafes and secret parties. She never imagined her behavior would land her in prison, or bring the cruel sting of a whip for the crime of wearing a mini-skirt.
Tala's forty lashes didn't keep her down - they fanned the flames of individuality and inspired her to embrace a new freedom in the United States. As she developed her own clothing label, her exploration into the creative, cut throat community of Western fashion opened her eyes to the ups and downs of hard work, hard decisions, and hard truths.
Fashion is Freedom takes us on a journey that crosses the globe, from Colombia to Miss Universe, and inspires women everywhere to be fearless...
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Tala Raassi, an Iranian-American fashion designer, was born in Maryland, USA and raised in Tehran, Iran. Raassi, termed "One of the Most Fearless Women in the World" by Newsweek Magazine, impressed the fashion world with her talent in exclusive swimwear. She is devoted to "celebrating the beauty of a women's body through her designs and empower women all around the world to follow their dreams." For Raassi, "fashion is freedom."
"Raasi's story is inspirational and very relevant for young entrepreneurs and creative types, providing plenty of insight into the dos and don'ts of running a small business." - Publishers Weekly
"A rare book equally likely to appeal to fans of Project Runway and students of contemporary Middle Eastern cultural history." - Kirkus
"I was so moved with Tala's undying determination! I love that she fought back against oppression by moving from Iran to the U.S., launching her fashion line, creating super sexy styles for all, and embracing the 'BIKINI' as a symbol of freedom!" - Monica Wise, L*Space Founder, Designer, and Creative Director
"WhenTala Raassireceived an unthinkable childhoodpunishment-40 lashes for wearing a miniskirt-she didn't hidein shame. She did the opposite, launching a fashion line to celebrate women's bodies. Her story is extraordinary." - Abigail Pesta, award-winning journalist and Vice President of the Overseas Press Club of America"
"Tala is a beautiful example of empowerment and strength. Fashion is Freedom shows us not only an incredible woman on the rise but additionally, a woman who did not allow the difficult hardships she faced on her journey to deter her from chasing her dreams and creating change in the world. I am inspired by her bravery and fearless nature." - Jenna Ushkowitz, Actress, producer and author of Choosing Glee
"Fearless...Iranian designer Tala Raassi's revolutionary journey from jail to runway." - Cosmopolitan
"Tala can serve asan inspiration to young women everywhere for shedding a dark and difficult past to become successful in business, but the most amazing part of her story isn't her achievement. It's that in spite of what she went through as a kid and aside from the incredible things she has accomplished, she is still an incredibly kind, open person - someone from whom we can all learn. Josh Ellis, Editor in Chief,
" - SUCCESSMagazine"
"An uplifting and empowering read. Tala Raassi's story is a testament to our ability as women to pursue our dreams in spite of adversity." - Marie ClaireUK
"Every day I am grateful that I can choose whatever the hell I want to wear without the fear of punishment or violence or imprisonment. Tala's story had a powerful impact on my life. She is a woman who will change the world!" - Jesinta Campbell, Miss Universe Australia 2010 and author of Live a Beautiful Life
"Though her story is unique, all women can be inspired by her bravery and her perseverance. Fashion Is Freedom is a great testament to the power of hard work, regardless of where you come from." - Joanna Coles, Editor in Chief of Cosmopolitan
"A truly inspiring story of perseverance and passion. Tala's honest account of the real trials and frustrations facing any fashion entrepreneur, proves that hard work and an optimistic spirit pave the way to success." - Mary Gehlhar, author of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide and lecturer at The New School at Parson School of Design
"When Tala Raassi received an unthinkable childhood punishment-40 lashes for wearing a miniskirt-she didn't hide in shame. She did the opposite, launching a fashion line to celebrate women's bodies. Her story is extraordinary." - Abigail Pesta, award-winning journalist and Vice President of the Overseas Press Club of America
"Tala can serve as an inspiration to young women everywhere for shedding a dark and difficult past to become successful in business, but the most amazing part of her story isn't her achievement. It's that in spite of what she went through as a kid and aside from the incredible things she has accomplished, she is still an incredibly kind, open person - someone from whom we can all learn. Josh Ellis, Editor in Chief,
" - SUCCESS Magazine
""Whipped and jailed in her native Tehran for wearing a mini skirt and heels, Raassi didn't let it extinguish her love for style. As her inspiring memoir details, she went on to become a U.S. based designer."
" - PEOPLE
