Salim al-Shimiri (born in Basra, Iraq) is an Iraqi fashion designer.[1] His job entails selecting the fabrics used, the models, positioning the lighting for runway shows as well as creating the garments.[1] He graduated at Baghdad University with a degree in microbiology, he later returned to study art.[1] He has held many fashion shows in Iraq, notably the 1991 show in the Palestine Hotel which was attended by United Nations delegation visiting Iraq, and impressed by his designs they offered him contacts and addresses of fashion houses in the United States and Europe.[1] Before 2003, Salim was quite successful in Iraq, however, the toppling of Saddam Hussein and his regime resulted in loss of revenue and clients for him.