Visa Fashion Week Tashkent: An Inside Look

Moments of Miracle: exclusive photo report and insights from Uzbek designers

27 Nov 2024
Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

On November 14 and 15, the fourth season of Visa Fashion Week Tashkent took place in Uzbekistan’s capital city, marking one of the country’s most vibrant fashion events. The event was proudly supported by Visa, the global leader in digital payments, as its title partner.

This season’s theme revolved around ephemerality, with the slogan Moments of Miracle emphasizing the fleeting yet magical moments in life. In a fast-paced modern world, everyone seeks those sparks of wonder that provide a reprieve from the ordinary, creating a sense of being part of a magical story. Fashion, much like miracles, is transient and unique, inspiring the creation of collections that capture moments as if they were scenes from a fantastical narrative, each carrying its magic and style.

«The philosophy of this season blurs the lines between reality and imagination, transforming each moment into a masterfully crafted work of art. Visa Fashion Week Tashkent is more than just a fashion platform; it’s a space where ideas, emotions, and inspirations converge. This season invites participants and audiences to immerse themselves in a magical atmosphere filled with meaning, offering fresh perspectives and experiences», – said Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, CEO and producer of Visa Fashion Week Almaty & Tashkent.

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

The opening day of Visa Fashion Week Tashkent featured an engaging discussion on building personal style and making a mark on the global fashion stage. Among the speakers was Vincent Lappartient, a photographer and founder of the Paris-based studio I Love What You Do, whose journey in fashion began with studying art history and led to collaborations with legends like Chanel and Dior. Joining him was Martyn Roberts, business consultant and creative director of Fashion Scout, one of the world’s most renowned independent platforms for emerging designers. The discussion was moderated by Oleg Drobot, CEO of ELLE Oʻzbekiston.

This event brought together young entrepreneurs and creatives in Uzbekistan, providing them with invaluable advice and inspiration from industry leaders. It aimed to empower attendees to explore new horizons and develop their careers.

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

As Anastasia Nenashova, Senior Director of Marketing at Visa for Ukraine, Georgia, CIS, and Southeastern Europe, explained, supporting the creative economy is a crucial element of sustainable economic growth in modern Uzbekistan. Visa actively contributes to initiatives like these, creating platforms where young designers can grow and learn from established experts, helping them advance in their professional journeys.

Visa Fashion Week in Tashkent serves as a hub for the creative industry, fostering exchanges, connections, and learning opportunities. The event also spotlighted street style as a creative platform, with both local and international photographers, such as Francesca Babbi from Italy, capturing the energy. Exclusive backstage photo reports by Vincent Lappartient documented the behind-the-scenes magic of the shows.

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Vincent Lappartient

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Vincent Lappartient

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Vincent Lappartient

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

The fourth season of Visa Fashion Week Tashkent saw the attendance of prominent figures from the global fashion scene, including journalists, editors from international publications, influencers, models, and industry representatives. Among them were Elmira Kolmakova, Digital Publisher of ELLE Kazakhstan, and Japanese journalist Eri Inoue, who writes for WWD Japan and ELLE Japan, among others.

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

On November 14, six designers showcased their collections. Representing Uzbekistan were Azukar Moreno, Cosmodinass, Ozoda, and Azamat Somatov; from Kazakhstan, Dark’n’Core; and Ukrainian designer Gasanova.

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Vincent Lappartient

Kamola Rustamova, the designer behind Azukar Moreno, shared, «The main mission of our brand is sustainable fashion that also prioritizes the preservation of traditions and culture. I love the ethnic features and folklore of different countries, which is often reflected in my creations. Fashion is a key tool that encourages people to preserve their culture. When we showcase our cultural heritage in other countries, it generates interest and, eventually, demand. We, as local designers, revive suzani patterns and techniques, boosting the motivation of artisans. For me, Visa Fashion Week is a challenge that inspires risk-taking, innovation, and surprising our clients».

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Vincent Lappartient

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Rukhshona Turgunbaeva

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Rukhshona Turgunbaeva

On November 15, the audience enjoyed collections by talented designers from Uzbekistan, including Dilnoz, Suraya, and Liliya Dulat; from Kazakhstan, Zardozi and Zhsaken; and Azerbaijani designer Zumrud Mirzaliyeva.

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Vincent Lappartient

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Liliya Palyunina, the designer behind Liliya Dulat, explained: «We presented the BAZAAR SEASON collection, inspired by a deep love and fascination with Uzbekistan's history—its unique traditional style, culture, and ethnic identity. A significant trend in fashion today is the patriotism of Uzbek designers and stylists.

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Participating in Visa Fashion Week provides a space to be creative and constantly improve. My brand is dedicated to strong, daring women with vibrant energy who stand out from the crowd».

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

Dilnoz Erkinova, the designer of Dilnoz, added: «In my collections, I often use our national fabrics: adras, bakhmal, shoyi. I hold a special place in my heart for gold-thread embroidery (zardozi) and silk-thread embroidery (kashta). These unique fabrics, magnificent patterns, and stunning handmade chapans have been passed down to us from generations of our ancestors. Visa Fashion Week is an excellent platform for creative individuals. There is a unique artistic atmosphere here – a space where new talents emerge».

Photo: Visa Fashion Week/Timur Epov

The designers participating in the fourth season of the International Fashion Week in Central Asia – Visa Fashion Week Tashkent – immersed themselves in creativity, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. True magic is born in the moments when fabric and form become stories, inspiring audiences and leaving lasting impressions.

Advertising

27 Nov 2024
Share article

Language selection

*You can also select from the site menu