Bauyrzhan Shadibekov Opens About Visa Fashion Week Almaty

Eurasia is a region we could forget in North America, but it’s there. Its extent, stretches from Iceland to the Iberian Peninsula, all the way to the eastern tip of Russia. It borders Africa and touches three oceans: Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. With over five billion people making up over seventy percent of the world’s population, that means there is an explosion of arts, fashion, food and music culture to be had. Set to unveil in its seventh edition is VISA Fashion Week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to be held May 3-4^th at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty. Fashion week actually takes place in two parts, the first part being on May 3-4^th in Almaty, with the second part taking place May 26-27^th in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Almaty is a vibrant cosmopolitan city surrounded by the Trans-Li Alatau Mountains. Many regional designers live in Almaty, as well as influencers and bloggers. It’s also a free place where people can be themselves and live the way they want. The city has also given way to a thriving fashion industry where big events, parties and dinners by top brands are commonplace. So, no wonder

The two-day fashion week will cover the fall-winter 2024 collections, as well as highlighting aspects of Eurasian culture. Local and international designers will showcase their work. The fashion week was led by Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, General Director and CEO of VISA Fashion Week Almaty. Shadibekov opened up about his involvement as a co-owner of Fashion Bureau Almaty since 2012, and how his dedication has always been to elevate the region and show the world what Eurasia has to offer creatively.

I have been fully dedicated to driving the growth of the national cultural creative sector, successfully hosting more than 600 events for well-known brands such as Bvlgari, IQOS, The Macallan, Constella, Rixos to mention a few, says Shadibekov.

Among the agency’s most notable achievements is the founding of Esentai Mall, the leading fashion store in Kazakhstan. However, in 2019 I decided I wanted to do more for my country, to preserve its culture and creative talent; that is how I started my adventure with VISA Fashion Week Almaty, I am driven by social responsibility and a desire to position Kazakhstan as a valuable contributor to global cultural progress. My passion for the industry is unwavering, and my significant contribution to the development of fashion in Kazakhstan reflects my dedication to this pursuit.

Why Almaty?

So why is Almaty of all the other Eurasian countries hosting major fashion weeks? Central Asia’s rich and ancient culture combined with its natural beauty made it an important region for the fashion industry, Shadibekov muses.

The area is home to a variety of traditional textile techniques, such as ikat, suzani and khan-atlas, which have been passed down from generation to generation. This unique technique, along with the use of natural dyes and fibers, has inspired many contemporary designers around the world. This is what makes our fashion unique: through the years we carry with us what our ancestors left behind. In addition, Central Asia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia made it an important trading and trading center. As the region develops, there is potential for the fashion industry to grow, with the emergence of new designers, brands and markets, he said.

How do Eurasian designers differ from Western designers

While Western designers have created many successful brands, most are geared toward mass-market production. By contrast, Central Asian fashion is more environmentally conscious, with designers often using natural and expensive fabrics that are durable and sustainable, says Shadibekov.

Instead of creating collections with a wide variety of items, Central Asian designers often create limited collections and incorporate recycling techniques to minimize waste and protect the planet. Ultimately, fashion is a matter of personal preference, and Central Asian fashion offers a wide range of unique and individual styles to suit all tastes. When it comes to design, each country has its own unique history and traditions that inform its creative output. Yet, Central Asian fashion serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of respecting one’s heritage while also exploring new textures, collaborating with other creatives, and pushing design boundaries. It is not surprising that Central Asian fashion is now receiving the recognition and attention it deserves.

There are quite a few designers in this region who have stolen the attention of the world stage. Aiman ​​​​Orynbasarova and Sholpan Nurmukhambetova from Kazakhstan are known for their brand Aisho Atelier. And Alima Murzabekova is also known internationally.

Kyrgz designer Dinara Ratsko is known for her black and white silhouettes, wide dresses and hand-painted textiles. Nafisa Imravova from Tajikistan, known for her love for her country, combines a national touch with European flair. And, Suhrob Habib is known for his men’s designs, especially men’s suits.

Kazakhstan is a rich source of talented young designers who show extraordinary courage in their work, pushing the limits of experimentation, incorporating new details and leveraging technology. As a result, their designs are increasingly recognized and worn in the world’s leading fashion hubs, with many participating in major fashion events and collaborating with established brands, continues Shadibekov.

Explaining one aspect of why fashion is well developed in the region, Shadibekov notes that accessibility is one of the reasons brands can cater to individuals and their preferences. The use of high-quality natural fabrics ensures longevity and durability, with plenty of items remaining in cupboards for years to come, another aspect. In this way, Central Asia’s fashion legacy continues to grow, he said.

A historical theme

This year’s fashion week theme is the Great Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected Asia and Europe. It literally connects millions of people. While those were challenging times, the era was also rich in the aesthetics and fabrics that characterize the style of the region. This year, Visa FWA will hold its first international fashion week in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. We believe that the concept of the Silk Road perfectly represents our shared heritage, unity and friendship between nations. This is a great event for the fashion industry and we are happy to be a part of it, said Shadibekov.

What to expect

Violett Fedorova, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Ukraine; Luca Rizzi, Pitti Uomo Director, Raphael Deray, luxury buyer for Printemps, Christian Vierig, famous street photographer are among their distinguished guests. Our goal is to elevate our designers to an international level and give them the exposure they deserve. The entire Visa FWA team is delighted to provide this opportunity and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the fashion industry, said Shadibekov.

I am committed to providing our guests with a great experience and making a meaningful contribution to the fashion industry in Kazakhstan, said Shadibekov. Our partners are the best, and VISA, our main partner, shares our passion for industry growth and prosperity. We invest significant time and effort in preparing for each season and this year we are taking our brand to the international stage by launching a fashion week in Tashkent. In collaboration with VISA, we are also excited to introduce a special project, the “New Designers Competition”, which will provide designers with extraordinary opportunities and offer significant benefits for their growth and development. Stay tuned for more details!