I was recently scrolling through Instagram when I came across an account that struck me as cool, bold, and full of life. At first, I tried to figure out who was behind it — and soon discovered it wasn’t just one person, but an entire Iranian family! They are all so different, yet so united. They talk about important things, but always in a funny, light, and wonderfully relatable way. The page has become their little family diary. So let’s open the door to their world and see what makes it so unique.

— I know the Instagram account of Iran Khanoom is a true family collaboration. Could you tell me more about who is responsible for what?

Daniel: Iran Khanoom has always been a family project. I look after the creative direction, the storytelling, and the overall vision. My mother is at the heart of it all — her elegance, strength, and authenticity shape both the imagery and the captions. My father plays a quieter role, but he brings humour and warmth, while my brother takes care of the technical side and video production. It is a genuine collaboration, with each of us bringing our own personality, which makes the project richer, more layered, and very much alive.

I first created the page for my grandmother at a time when it was still rare — especially in the Middle East — to see an older woman dressing boldly, living freely, and breaking stereotypes. The account was my way of celebrating her unique style and fearless personality. She always said, “I don’t dress for my age, I dress for my soul.” And that is really where it all began.

What started 10 years ago as light-hearted photo shoots capturing her vibrant outfits and fearless spirit has since grown into something far bigger. Today, Iran Khanoom has become almost like a family diary — weaving together fashion, culture, humour, and deeper conversations about identity, society, and freedom.

— How would you describe your family in several words?

Faranak: We are a very close-knit family, full of contrasts and colour — just like our images. We laugh a lot, debate a lot, and support each other endlessly. What unites us are the same core values: freedom, creativity, resilience, and a love for life. You can see all of that reflected in our account — we don’t just share images; we share pieces of our lives: the laughs, the arguments, the memories. That is what makes it real.

Daniel: And if you ask about generational conflicts, the truth is, we don’t really have them. Of course, we don’t always see things the same way, but there is a deep sense of respect that guides everything. We are constantly learning from one another, and those different perspectives are what make our content richer and more layered. At the end of the day, Iran Khanoom has always been a family story — four people, four visions, one soul.

— Since the whole family is involved, it feels like such a uniting project. But do creative disagreements ever come up?

Daniel: Of course! Sometimes we clash over styling choices, captions, or the tone of a post. But we see those disagreements as healthy — they push us to think differently and spark new ideas. We talk it through, listen to each other, and always manage to find a balance.

And honestly, even those small conflicts are partly our own fault. Most of our content days are completely spontaneous. Some shoots are planned — especially when we are working on big campaigns — but more often it is about capturing real moments: having tea, going for a walk, laughing together. That is what makes the content feel authentic, but it also makes the process a little more hectic.

—This strong bond between generations feels like a big part of Arabic tradition. Does it really help?

Daniel: Family is absolutely central in our culture, but for us it goes beyond tradition — it is something deeply personal. It is about the everyday connections: three generations sitting together, sharing stories, passing down clothes, recipes, and memories. That bond isn’t just a part of our life; it is the foundation of everything we do and it is our greatest strength.

— A big part of your message focuses on women — their power, strength, and mutual support. How did this narrative begin?

Daniel: It comes from our own story. We have always been surrounded by strong women — my grandmother, my mother, my aunt. They taught me resilience, courage, and the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. With Iran Khanoom, we wanted to create more than just images; we wanted to build a space that celebrates women’s strength, beauty, and their freedom to exist beyond stereotypes.

Faranak: For us, Iranian women have always been queens without crowns. They carry an inner power that too often goes unrecognised. Through what we do, we try to highlight that strength and, in a way, give them the crowns they have always deserved.

— At what point did you feel ready to also touch on social and political issues?

Daniel: Very early on, actually. Together with my mother, we launched The Taboo Breaker — a family-run project created alongside Iran Khanoom. From the start, we felt the need to open conversations around topics often considered off-limits in our culture — from women’s rights to social norms and questions of identity. Through fashion and humour, we wanted to challenge outdated stereotypes and reshape cultural narratives. And of course, freedom of speech comes with a cost — but we accept that. If some brands choose not to collaborate with us, so be it. Our voice matters more than any campaign.

— No matter the age or the weather, your family always looks so stylish — bright, cool, and confident. How did this sense of style develop?

Daniel: Fashion has always been a shared language in our family. It is how we express who we are — through colours, textures, and the stories behind what we wear. Each of us has our own taste, but we constantly influence one another, whether it is suggesting a new combination, swapping accessories, or trying something outside our comfort zone.

— And the key one: do you borrow clothes from one another’s wardrobes?

Faranak: All the time! Honestly, it is one of the things that keeps our style fresh. It can get chaotic — you never know what is missing from your closet until someone walks in wearing it — but that playfulness is exactly what makes it so fun.

— You have become icons for many outside Iran as well. Do you feel you are carrying a piece of your homeland with you in this account?

Daniel: Absolutely. Every image we share carries a piece of Iran — its colours, its humour, its contradictions, even its everyday simplicity. Through fashion, family moments, and small details, we try to show that Iran is not a single story. For us, this isn’t just about creating content for today — it is about building a kind of archive, something that can remind the next generation where we come from and how much beauty there is in our roots.

— Your Instagram feels like a diary of resilience and joy. When people discover you for the first time, what do you hope they feel?

Daniel: I hope they feel our freedom, our joy, and above all, our authenticity. Iran Khanoom isn’t about perfection — it is about real stories and genuine emotions. One of the most powerful moments for us was receiving hundreds of messages from Iranians around the world after we spoke openly about women’s rights and freedom of expression. Knowing that our content can give strength to others is the most beautiful reward.

What touches me most, though, are the personal messages from people who say our posts have given them hope, strength, or courage. That is when we truly know we are doing something meaningful.

— What is the warmest memory you share with your grandmother?

Daniel: The first tea we had together when I pitched the idea of the account. I can still see her laughing and saying, “I will do it if you promise to make me look forever young!” That moment was the spark that started it all. She had this way of turning even simple things into something memorable, always reminding us: “Enjoy every single moment.”

Faranak: She never believed in the afterlife — for her, life was meant to be lived here and now, with intensity and joy. That philosophy shaped everything she did and everything we try to show.