Queen Soraya (Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary)

Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary (1932-2001), second wife and consort of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. Only daughter of Khalil Esfandiary-Bakhtiary, an Iranian nobleman, and his German wife, Eva Karl. Raised in Isfahan and Europe; selected by Princess Shams as a bride for her brother the Shah. Married in 1951, becoming Queen consort; the union ended in 1958 because of Soraya’s inability to have children. Received a generous divorce settlement that enabled her to live in glamorous exile in Europe; however, the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran led to a reduction in her income.

Figure 3.1. Dmitri Kessel (American), Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Queen Soraya of Iran at their wedding, 1951, The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images, source: Town & Country.

1950s

Evening-wear

Figure 3.2. Emilio Schuberth (Italian), Evening dress, c. 1953, silk velvet, silk, rhinestones, pearls, Stadtmuseum, Munich, source: Pinterest.

Figure 3.3. Sorelle Fontana (Italian), Ball Gown in China Blue Silk Velvet, 1956, Fondazione Micol Fontana, Rome, source: Google Arts & Culture.

Figure 3.4. Sorelle Fontana (Italian), Evening Gown, 1956, Fondazione Micol Fontana, Rome, source: Google Arts & Culture.

1960s

Footwear

Figure 3.5. Roger Vivier (French), Evening pump with kitten heel made for Princess Soraya of Iran, 1962, Roger Vivier, Paris, source: Pinterest.

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