Visa Fashion Week Almaty: When Beauty Makes Your Head Spin

Almaty once again became the epicenter of fashion gravity.
From October 7 to 9, the Ritz-Carlton welcomed key figures of the fashion industry — designers, stylists, critics, and inspired guests.

The Vertigo Effect — that subtle dizziness born of beauty and inspiration — became the defining emotion of Visa Fashion Week Almaty. Not Hitchcock’s kind, but a fashion version: when everything around you — music, light, people, images — merges into one endless moment of aesthetic intoxication.

“After years of creating Visa Fashion Week, we’ve learned how important it is to see fashion, aesthetics, and beauty from different perspectives. It’s the contrast between an established master’s view and that of a newcomer that creates depth — the very stereo effect that leaves such a strong impression on our audience,”
— commented Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, CEO and Producer of Visa Fashion Week Almaty.

This year, the runway — not just the stage — welcomed many new names.
For them, it’s more than a chance to show a collection; it’s an opportunity to be seen, to feel that their creativity matters, and to be inspired to create with even greater passion.

Kirpi

The Kazakh brand turned its new collection “Anashym” into a visual narrative of a woman’s coming of age.
Models appeared one after another — first in charming dresses with ruffles symbolizing youth and innocence, and later in elegant, structured silhouettes reflecting confidence and maturity.
Each look remained rooted in Kazakh traditions while speaking a contemporary language — a story of a woman growing, searching for herself, and finding beauty in every stage of life.
The performance was elevated by a live enactment of two Kazakh rituals — “syrga salu” and “kyz uzatu” — dedicated to engagement and the bride’s farewell to her parental home.

Dunesi

The Dubai-based brand made an impressive debut at Visa Fashion Week Almaty — full of Eastern sensuality and Southern temperament. Among the looks, a deep navy body-hugging gown and several striking black-and-red ensembles stood out — embodying the passion and vibrancy of Spain.
Details inspired by matador aesthetics added drama and confidence, transforming femininity into an act of courage. A powerful and unforgettable debut.

Mursak

Straight from Uzbekistan, Mursak brought not just fabrics but a philosophy of modern Eastern style.
Cotton — a national symbol — appeared in unexpected ways: as appliqués and textured elements, becoming both decoration and meaning.
Each piece drew inspiration from East Asian forms and regional ornaments.
It was a fusion of craftsmanship and experimentation, where the past doesn’t clash with modernity but finds new expression — with a touch of daring.
Mursak’s true strength lies in its ability to handle cultural codes with care, preserving their beauty while showing them through the lens of today.

Zhalt Zhult

Drama, depth, and a touch of tension.
This was a story of feminine energy — how it can fade in an instant, only to flare up again, brighter and stronger, fueled by the strength of generations.
The Kazakh brand Zhalt Zhult, winner of the Next Designer Award empowered by Visa, turned the runway into a ritual of inner healing. The collection “Bailiau. A New Kazakh Rite of Female Initiation” reminded us that a woman’s strength lies not in armor but in the courage to bare her soul and rise again.
Ribbons, braids, amulets, and protective symbols told stories of ancestry and pain — from which light ultimately emerges.

Michel & Amazonka

The Mongolian brand, which designed the national attire for its Olympic team last year, unveiled a new collection that instantly captured the audience’s hearts. Tradition met restraint and elegance: symbols of the northeastern land appeared delicately against classic silhouettes, each look telling a story of heritage and pride. Exquisite hand embroidery, rich textures, and attention to detail reminded everyone that true luxury lies in craftsmanship, time, and respect for one’s roots. A perfect example of how cultural identity can sound universal when spoken through the language of refined tailoring.

Azamat Somatov

Another brand from Uzbekistan — this time, for men.
Azamat Somatov is known for its precision tailoring and masterful craftsmanship.
On the runway — pieces that invite closer examination: a hint of collar asymmetry here, a military-inspired stand collar there — every detail meticulously refined. The palette combined timeless classics with earthy tones: deep black, terracotta, and beige added warmth and depth. The result — a modern portrait of a man: intelligent, confident, and composed, like a perfectly tailored suit.

Kamalini

A mother–daughter duo presented a collection celebrating the multifaceted nature of women. It spoke of the freedom to be many things at once, unbound by roles or expectations. Today — an elegant crimson gown with a voluminous skirt, a declaration of strength. Tomorrow — a pink polka-dot dress with a playful shoulder accent, full of softness and wit. The collection celebrated the art of being oneself in every version — bright, complex, ever-changing.

ZhSaken 

The grand finale of the three-day fashion journey was the show by Saken Zhaksybayev.
If his previous collection reinterpreted Japanese motifs, this time the designer’s “point on the globe” returned home — to Kazakh roots. National symbols came alive on the runway, reimagined through a contemporary lens. Through form, ornament, and color, the brand showed that the past is not a museum — it is a living source of inspiration. There was a feeling that the models had stepped out of ancient tales about nomads and the steppe, carrying the cultural memory of their people. This collection was a love letter to heritage — a reminder that tradition is the foundation of the future.

Almaty once again proved that fashion is not just about clothes — it’s about culture, time, and people.
This season of Visa Fashion Week Almaty delighted with novelty, depth, and respect for heritage.
Each show felt like its own story — about self-discovery, the power of tradition, and the courage to look ahead.

Now, the fashion world turns its gaze to Tashkent, where on November 8–9 this creative journey will continue — bringing new discoveries, new names, and new stories about beauty without borders.

Photographer: Timur Epov