Some fashion weeks leave a fleeting impression; others weave a spell that lingers long after the final look. The IV season of Visa Fashion Week Tashkent, held almost a month ago at the dazzling Tashkent City Mall, proved to be the latter — an unforgettable blend of Central Asian creativity and international allure. With the theme “Ephemerality,” the event invited us to embrace those rare, fleeting “moments of miracle,” celebrating the transient beauty of life through design.
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, the visionary CEO and producer of the event, described fashion as “a language that speaks of what is temporary, yet eternal in its influence.” And indeed, across two days, 11 designers transformed the runway into a kaleidoscope of storytelling, artistry, and emotion. From modernist odes to heritage to bold statements on femininity and futurism, each collection left the audience captivated, buzzing with inspiration. Here’s a look back at the magic that defined Visa Fashion Week Tashkent 2024.
The audacious spirit of Jacques de Bascher — the enigmatic muse of Yves Saint Laurent — served as the heartbeat of ZhSaken’s latest collection. Sophistication met rebellion as velvet, silk, and organza cascaded down the runway in silhouettes that evoked Parisian bohemia. ZhSaken brought De Bascher’s charisma to life, fusing haute couture glamour with an edgy, modern twist. Each piece felt like a love letter to individuality, with the designer balancing timeless elegance and contemporary provocations.
Drawing inspiration from the bee — a symbol of feminine power — Zardozi’s Bee Woman collection buzzed with meaning and artistry. Rich taffeta, intricate lace, and hand-embroidered French velvet came together in a dazzling tribute to the wisdom and resilience of women. Similarly, the silhouettes screamed Hollywood glamour: puffy shoulders, delicate drapes, and otherworldly construction in a palette of luscious blues, soft pinks and ochres.
With Bazaar Season, Liliya Dulat dove into the rich cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan. Oversized silhouettes, bold colour-blocking, and the country’s famed silks came together in a playful yet elegant fusion of tradition and modernity. The spider and its web were the main characters of the collection appearing as either a dangling brooch or a beaded detail. The collection radiated the energy of bustling marketplaces and the quiet reverence of heritage, embodying a Central Asian aesthetic that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
Kamola Rustamova, the creative force behind Azukar Moreno, doubled the excitement this season with Super Woman and Flashing Lights. The former celebrated the indomitable spirit of women, showcasing powerful yet feminine designs that spoke of resilience and freedom. Meanwhile, Flashing Lights marked the brand’s debut into menswear, delivering sharp, daring looks for confident city-dwellers. Animal prints and colourful textures dominated both collections, evoking a strong feeling of power and majesty.
The Suraya brand brought timeless craftsmanship to the fore with hand-woven ikat silks and an unmistakable dedication to heritage. Each garment felt like wearable art, blending the old-world charm of traditional Uzbek weaving techniques with sleek modern tailoring. The stunning palette of bright, iridescent colours was a feast for the eyes only coming second to the meticulous floral embroidery across each piece. The result was a collection that felt magical but, at the same time, celebrated the elegance of cultural storytelling in every stitch.
Azerbaijani designer Zumrud Mirzaliyeva mastered the art of juxtaposition with a collection that harmonised natural silks, macramé, and denim. Striking silhouettes featured entangled strands of fabric, overlayed to sheer cutouts or tailored denim jackets. A colourful palette of colours and textures also helped achieve this vision, with rich purples, soft pastels and hints of blue. Bold handmade jewellery added an extra layer of intrigue to her work. The designer created an aesthetic that felt both rooted and revolutionary, young but sophisticated.
Dilnoz Erkinova’s signature blend of traditional Uzbek motifs and contemporary design stole the show with a collection that dazzled with hand-beaded details, rich fabrics like velvet and chiffon, and a palpable sense of femininity. Founded in 2012, her eponymous brand once again showcased its mastery of combining heritage with luxury in a way that feels entirely modern.
Futuristic fashion took centre stage with Kosmik Jangchilar — a collection that embraced the union of tradition and technology. Cyborg-inspired aesthetics met artisanal craftsmanship, with metallic accents, intricate knits, and gilded armour-like designs. Madina Makhmudova, the visionary behind Cosmodinass, explored human evolution in a world where the organic and the artificial are increasingly intertwined, creating a collection that felt both ahead of its time and deeply reflective.
Known for redefining menswear in Uzbekistan, Azamat Somatov unveiled his Modern collection, a tribute to the conscious, stylish man. Sleek tuxedos, tailored suits, and luxurious outerwear set the tone for refined masculinity. With a focus on craftsmanship and premium fabrics sourced from Belgium, England, and Italy, Somatov delivered a masterclass in sophisticated, timeless design.
Elvira Hasanova’s SS25 collection brought a poetic optimism to the runway, inspired by the resilience of post-war London. Ethereal fabrics like chiffon and silk in light blues sparkled with sequins and crystals, creating a line that radiated hope and joy. The collection was a poignant reminder of fashion’s ability to uplift and inspire, even in challenging times.
Ozoda Couture stood out for its exceptional handiwork and innovation. Designer Ozoda Iskhakova has crafted a collection of exquisite designs that marry modern sophistication with timeless appeal. This season’s offerings aimed at reinterpreting Victorian-style blouses and gowns with the unmistakable Ozoda signature accessories and impeccable construction. The palette was dominated by mostly blacks and whites only softened by a colourful floral gown.
Explore all the collections here.
photography. Vincent Lappartient, Epov Timur
words. Gennaro Costanzo
