Designer Elnora Ibragimova-Rizayeva highlights inclusivity in fashion
The QALDIRG’OCH collection draws inspiration from the swallow as a symbol of freedom
At TFT-Expo 2025, designer Elnora Ibragimova-Rizayeva, known professionally as Ela Ri, presented the QALDIRG’OCH collection under her brand Stone City. This collection explores the connection between women and the swallow, a bird deeply rooted in Uzbek life and traditions.
“The image of the swallow symbolizes spring, new beginnings, hope, and freedom of choice. We associate this image with dynamic, strong, and gentle women who pursue their goals with determination, build homes, and raise children,” commented Elnora.
The show was accompanied by a performance from guest pianist Sevara Mirziddinova, a doctoral student at the State Conservatory and a teacher at the Batyr Zakirov Institute of Music History and Solfeggio. Sevara performed Oyidin Abdullayeva’s composition “Dreams of Amir Temur”.
“With this collaboration, we wanted to show that inclusivity is possible, people with disabilities can achieve success and thrive in challenging creative professions if they have access to quality education,” Elnora emphasized.
The backstage operations for Stone City were supported by fashion design students from the Inclusive International Hub (IIHub), including children with various disabilities who are training to become mobile content creators, photographers, and designers.
Elnora, who serves as a curator at IIHub, actively promotes inclusivity in Uzbekistan’s public life.
The runway also featured a paper collection by artist Maria Adamova Talamasca, inspired by Uzbek traditional patterns, ceramics, and the swallow theme interpreted in the QALDIRG’OCH collection.
