tradition reimagined | visa fashion week tashkent

photography. Goldie Williams Vericain

In a region so rich in artisanal history, it’s always exciting to see what the creative minds of Uzbekistan and beyond are bringing to the fashion calendar. From 20 – 22 May, Visa Fashion Week Tashkent gathered some of Central Asia’s brightest designers at InterContinental hotel Tashkent for the Pre-Fall 2026 season. Visa Fashion Week CEO Bauyrzhan Shadibekov has an eye for creatives who capture the bright and emerging pulse of Tashkent while still honouring the region’s deep rooted style identity. This season explores “the nature of light and the authentic codes of the region,” said Shadibekov in a press statement. With each collection, the fashion week continues its legacy as “a genuine social elevator for young Central Asian designers” and reimagines the DNA of Uzbek style. 

photography. Melodie Jeng

This season’s ethos was “following the sun” and there was plenty of room to play. Georgian designer Avtandil sent models down the runway in baggy sheer linens embellished with 3D florals that beautifully captured the light. Designed in collaboration with graphic artist Rusudan Petviashvili, the collection’s androgyny and quiet drama was full of contrasts that felt like a breath of fresh air. Delicate natural fabrics were precisely tailored and moody graffiti-like illustrations were printed onto the train of bold coats. Natural materials and vibrant prints are a regional signature, Avtandil just interpreted it through a simple yet maximalist eye.

photography. Alex Dobé

Kazakh label ZHEREBTSOV brought peace and mindfulness to the runway by showcasing light and earthy neutrals. Its minimalist folk style featured natural raffia, loose tailoring and monochrome looks with white trims. KAPSALAN, a Visa Next Designer Award finalist, explored roots, ancestry and the tree of life in their “Qara Qandyagas” collection. It featured dynamic wrap around pieces that flowed down the runway, while raw textures in an earthy palette reflected the nature-inspired colours of traditional Uzbek prints. 

photography. Marc Medina

NDA finalist NO.SUGAR “Roots” collection was the most conceptual of the fashion week lineup, incorporating soft 3D root-like extensions on coats and skirt hems. While on the other end of the spectrum, Rano Collection showed feminine takes on traditional shapes with intricate beading, artisanal suzani embroidery and zardosi gold-weaving techniques. Founded by Rano Khamraeva, the couture collection channeled Uzbek heritage through a modern woman’s eye.

photography. Alex Dobé

Hailing from Baku was YAMAMAA, a unisex brand whose name references patchwork. The collection embraced sporty utility through structured minimalism, layering oversized silhouettes, asymmetric clean lines and modular colour combos for a functional take on modern style. Founder Elnur Musayev up-cycled dead stock military fabric to elevate classics like funnel jackets, trench coats and wide leg trousers. Overall, Visa Fashion Week Tashkent is a much needed entry point to discovering a world of designers whose vision and language deserves to seen and understood worldwide.

photography. Goldie Williams Vericain + Marc Medina + Alex Dobé + Melodie Jeng
words. Shama Nasinde