Uzbek Design at the 2025 London Design Biennale

To celebrate the debut of Uzbek design at the London Design Biennale, a reception was held at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Uzbekistan. The evening served as a platform to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and modern creative vision to an international audience.

Representatives from the worlds of art, business, diplomacy, and media attended the event. It was supported by the British Council and the Tashkent office of the strategic communications agency DNA, which initiated and commissioned the pavilion representing Uzbek designers as part of its 5-year anniversary celebrations.

The evening opened with a presentation of the pavilion’s creative concept. The exhibition, titled “The Once and Future Garden,” brings together the works of fashion designer Nigora Khashimova, furniture designers Tigran Erdman and Timur Parmanov, and a hand-embroidered suzani by Madina Kasimbaeva. Also featured are glass pieces by British artist Ruth Shelley, inspired by Uzbek miniatures and their expressive textile aesthetics.

In his welcoming remarks, His Majesty’s Ambassador Timothy Smart emphasized the importance of cultural connections between the UK and Uzbekistan, noting that design is a powerful tool through which countries share their stories, heritage, and aspirations. “The UK and Uzbekistan share a deep commitment to cultural exchange. The London Design Biennale is a valuable platform for showcasing the unique aesthetics of Uzbek design and strengthening ties between our creative communities. This partnership highlights the talent and innovation emerging from Uzbekistan, and I’m proud to support it,” said the ambassador.

Members of the pavilion’s creative team also spoke at the event, sharing the personal and cultural sources of inspiration that influenced their contributions to the exhibition. They shared with guests some insight into their creative processes and perspectives on how their work was shaped.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the London Design Biennale. It’s a unique chance to present Uzbek design through the lens of fashion – a field where tradition meets innovation. Our work intertwines history, identity, and creative vision,” said fashion designer Nigora Khashimova.

“Being invited to major international events that bring together the global design community provides strong momentum for the growth and recognition of creative startups. It’s also a chance to assert that Uzbek product design is not only about heritage – it is evolving, being reinterpreted, and fitting seamlessly into contemporary spaces,” said furniture designer Tigran Erdman.

“This project is a celebration of diverse voices within Uzbekistan’s artistic community. It clearly demonstrates the significant results that can be achieved when the private sector invests in culture,” noted assistant curator Alsu Akhmetzyanova.

Award-winning architectural studio NAAW from Almaty led the pavilion’s design. The studio was represented at the event by lead interior architect Viktoria Akram, who spoke about the team’s approach to the project.

“It was important for us to highlight the beauty and depth of Uzbek culture and to create a backdrop that enhances the ideas and craftsmanship of the designers and artists featured in the exhibition,” said Viktoria.

The London Design Biennale, opening on June 5 at Somerset House, will bring together more than 40 countries and organizations from around the world. Uzbekistan’s participation in this international event is a vivid affirmation of the strength and potential of the country’s creative industry.

photo: Re_Production