In northern Tehran’s Oxygen Royal health and fitness centre, a group of 20 young men have gathered, each wearing identical black T-shirts inscribed with a big white DFW, the abbreviation for Darab fashion week. 

The centre is located in the affluent and historical district of Gheytarieh in the foothills of the Alborz mountains, which tower over Iran’s capital. With its VIP members and advanced exercise machinery, you may as well be in Beverly Hills. Instead, the centre is the venue for Iran’s male models to practise strutting the catwalk under the aegis of a professional trainer, who will also prepare them for the castings that will follow.

After a day of hard work, the results are promising. All the men have been offered contracts for Darab’s forthcoming event in September, planned to take place at the Esteghlal hotel.

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