UFW 2024: a celebration of cultural heritage

From November 4 to 10, the fifth season of Uzbekistan Fashion Week lit up Tashkent with a theme dedicated to preserving the country’s cultural heritage. For the first time since its inception, the event spanned an entire week, offering daily inspiration, a platform for creativity, and meaningful dialogue.

The program for Uzbekistan Fashion Week 2024 featured runway shows, panel discussions, and events focused on the nation’s cultural values. Each gathering took place at a significant venue, such as the opening show by Moel Bosh, held in the intimate setting of the Peoples' Friendship Palace’s Small Hall.

Designer Zukhra Inat showcased a harmonious blend of Eastern opulence and Western minimalism with her collection “The Kingdom of Peach Blossoms.” Using Uzbek fabrics, traditional embroidery, and artisanal craftsmanship, the collection reimagined Eastern aesthetics through a European lens. Accentuated shoulders, cinched waists, oversized jackets, elegant maxi dresses, statement scarves, and bows infused the runway with vitality, taking the audience on a cultural journey.

Photo: UFW/Anna Rakhmatova

Photo: UFW/Anna Rakhmatova

On the second day, Suhrob Habib unveiled a collection where sleek minimalism met with high-quality design. Focused on simplicity and elegance, the lineup offered versatile everyday and business wear perfectly tailored for the modern lifestyle.

Photo: UFW/Anna Rakhmatova

Day three was particularly eventful, beginning with a lecture by Central Saint Martins graduate Nodira Dadjonova, followed by runway shows from emerging designers Salma Couture and L’armoire. Salma Couture debuted a collection featuring classic straight skirts, tweed, and wool blazers, and denim across 20 polished looks.

Фото: UFW/Anastasiia Buslova

L’armoire’s founder Zulfizar Mahmarajabova, presented the couture collection “Maftunkor,” a symphony of emotions, femininity, and elegance. A play of light and fabric highlighted the unique essence of each woman. Both shows were hosted at the historic State Drama Theatre, located along Tashkent’s iconic tourist street.

Фото: UFW/Anastasiia Buslova

Фото: UFW/Ilya Semendeev

On November 7, LALI presented “Artisanal Treasures” in the grand halls of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, transformed for the occasion into a glamorous runway. Alongside their Spring-Summer 2025 collection, LALI also showcased pieces from their Paris Fall-Winter 2024 collection. The highlight was the knitted garments designed in collaboration with emerging artist Sardor Erkinov, whose style merges Eastern miniature aesthetics with narratives from Uzbek poetry.

Фото: UFW/Ilya Semendeev

LALI continued its tradition of incorporating the intricate patterns of adras and shoyi fabrics, handwoven in Margilan, using the brand’s original sketches. Vintage suzani textiles were also reimagined through upcycling and careful restoration, adding a layer of sustainability to the show.

Фото: UFW/Ilya Semendeev

Adding a touch of nostalgia, the “Light Retro” show was staged at the Tashkent Television Tower, Central Asia’s tallest structure with a public observation deck. The event evoked memories of yesteryears and featured emblematic pieces from a celebrated brand, offering a delightful mix of fashion and reminiscence.

Photo: UFW/Anna Rakhmatova

Uzbekistan Fashion Week concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing standout contributors to the fashion industry, followed by the couture showcase by Anor, the brand founded by Dilnoza Umirzakova.

Фото: UFW/Anastasiia Buslova