Visa Fashion Week Almaty. Day one.
Highlights the most memorable moments from the event.
From May 3 to 5, 2025, Almaty hosted the latest season of the International Fashion Week of Kazakhstan and Central Asia – Visa Fashion Week Almaty. This season revolved around the theme of eternal movement – a journey without a final destination, where the search itself becomes more important than the result. The endless staircases of Escher perfectly capture this concept, symbolizing the steady rise of emerging talents – young designers taking their first steps on an infinite path through the fashion world.
For three days, 18 runway shows were presented – 18 distinct stories, each reflecting a unique theme and emotional tone, from philosophical reflections on the planet’s future to odes to Almaty’s rich blend of tradition and modernity.
Designers transformed their shows into full-blown performances, using fashion, dance, video art, elaborate sets, and even models floating mid-air to tell immersive stories.
photo: TOSI X MILA_R / ALEN ASSEMOV
The opening day featured a standout collection from the brand Anima, presented in an ethno-urban unisex style. The show was a manifesto of love for oneself, for nature, for the body, and freedom. Models glided across the runway as if moved by the wind, mirroring the flowing, organic shapes of the garments. This idea was echoed in the choreography: the dance became a monologue, a visual story of inner harmony, acceptance, and connection to the world around.
Photo: ANIMA / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
Photo: ANIMA / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
Photo: ANIMA / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
Photo: ANIMA / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
Zhasmin Akopyan_Raimonda Kulikauskien
A key segment of the day was dedicated to the Next Designer Award (NDA) — a project launched by Visa and Visa Fashion Week Almaty to spotlight rising designers. The finalists presented collections that offered fresh takes on contemporary fashion, reinforcing the season’s message: moving forward through constant reinvention and exploration of new forms is at the heart of creativity today.
Designer Zhasmin Akopyan unveiled her collection “Introspection”, a deeply personal journey into self-awareness and acceptance of one’s layered identity. Her theme came to life in the details – accessories that framed the faces and hair of models created a kaleidoscopic effect, allowing viewers to see themselves from multiple angles and perspectives.
Photo: ZHASMIN AKOPYAN / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
Photo: ZHASMIN AKOPYAN / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
Photo: ZHASMIN AKOPYAN / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
Photo: ZHASMIN AKOPYAN / RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE
The first day of Visa Fashion Week Almaty became a mirror for inner exploration – from self-love to soulful introspection. Each show revealed a new facet of that journey, proving that fashion today is more than just visual – it’s a language of emotion, thought, and the human drive to evolve.
Photo: MALLI BACKSTAGE / MAXIM SECHIN
Photo: zhasmin akopyan / MAXIM SECHIN
Photo: MALLI BACKSTAGE / MAXIM SECHIN
