The AFWEU Fashion Week Astana showcased a vibrant blend of cultures, highlighting the interaction of various styles and trends, as reported by Kazpravda.kz with reference to qazaqculture.com
Through their creations, the designers illustrated that fashion is not merely about a particular color or clothing style, but a genuine art form that allows individuals to discover their own image, reflecting their inner world.
“Kazakhstani designers have a strong affinity for ethnic style and handmade craftsmanship. They enjoy incorporating traditional motifs into contemporary clothing because there is a story behind it. In Turkey, there is very little ethnic clothing left. We are focused on modernity, heavily influenced by European trends. I am acquainted with many Kazakhstani designers who specifically work in the ethnic style, crafting custom wedding dresses that resemble national costumes. I really appreciate this and closely follow the work of my Kazakhstani colleagues,” said the organizer of the show, AFWEU Fashion Week Astana founder Aydın Açıkk.
Colorful national costumes were brought by designer Zhamilya Utepkalieva from Uralsk. According to her, the demand for ethnic-style clothing in Kazakhstan has been increasing each year. The collections of the founder of Brand by Zhamilya have already been showcased in Istanbul, Dubai, Cappadocia, and Baku.
“All items in our collection are handmade. It takes about 10 days to create one chapana. We only use natural fabrics, sourcing them from Atyrau and Almaty. Orders come from everywhere: from Kazakhstani stars, musicians, and even during international shows,” noted founder Zhamilya Utepkalieva.
The collection titled “Guni Nomad - Daughter of the Nomad” was presented at the show in Astana by Guni Brand founder and designer Gulnur Tajegenova.
“We aimed to merge modernity with our national colors, allowing women to wear clothing without sacrificing comfort while also emphasizing their connection to a nation with a rich history. We source materials from abroad. We were inspired to create the collection by the bold Kazakh girls – the daughters of nomads,” emphasized Gulnur Tajegenova.
The event featured participants such as Azamat Sayin, Aikerim Shahman, representatives from Siluet Fashion, and other designers. Gözde Esbiliir from Cappadocia also brought her collection.
“I am very happy to be here in Astana. It is a great joy to share my creativity and see how our cultures come together. I thank Aydın Açıkk for the invitation and all the Kazakhstani audience,” shared Gözde Esbiliir.
The youngest designer at AFWEU Fashion Week Astana was 8-year-old Inju Muratbekova. The founder of the brand Inju Fashion not only prepared a collection but also stepped onto the runway as a model herself.
“I started promoting my brand at the age of five. We create beautiful yet comfortable clothing. I have participated in shows both in Kazakhstan and abroad. I am inspired by beautiful things,” said the young participant.
The AFWEU Fashion Week Astana demonstrated that the world of fashion knows no boundaries, whether spatial or age-related. Both adults and children can look stylish and express their ideas. Fashion brings people closer and fosters cultural interest in one another.