Another Fashion Week in Almaty, in my humble opinion, went remarkably well.
As someone who’s passionate about creating beauty, I was delighted not only by the invited designers and their work but also by the guest looks. Local celebrities and well-known bloggers clearly made an effort to match the level of the event. I’m glad that most managed to walk the fine line between “bold” and “vulgar, ” “stylish” and “boring.”
The event was held at a beautiful venue provided by the general partner — Rixos Almaty. From a technical perspective, everything was flawlessly organized. And from the point of view of a professional photographer, I can say the lighting was perfectly set. Nothing distracted from the main attraction — the runway shows of acclaimed Kazakhstani designers and invited guests from Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Ukraine.
The show opened with a collection by Saken Zhaxybayev, a favorite among many fashionistas not just in Kazakhstan. Almost the entire collection was presented in black and white, but it would be wrong to call it monotonous. The variety of textures kept the eyes moving from one intriguing detail to another. Despite the dominant use of black — which can often feel heavy — Saken managed to bring a sense of lightness and elegance. Shimmering silver-like accents added sparkle without slipping into gaudiness. Everything was tasteful and well thought out. A strong opening that set the bar high for the rest.
Dildora Kasimova showcased a collection infused with Uzbek national elements. Some models wore long, thin braids and striking, authentic jewelry. The colors were vibrant but slightly muted, lending a refined edge. Unique prints served as the focal point in some pieces, while in others they subtly enhanced the fabric’s texture, adding a kind of visual relief. Overall, it felt like Dildora conveyed her vision of the Eastern woman — grounded in tradition, yet possessing a powerful inner strength.
Another highlight was the Georgian designer Datuna, known for dressing the elegant, affluent, and sophisticated woman. Datuna Sulikashvili debuted his first collection in 2005, and since then, his work has consistently received high praise from critics. This time was no exception — the looks he presented were nothing short of stunning.