Ethno-fashion is a style that remains relevant beyond the passage of time. Unlike seasonal trends, it is rooted in centuries-old traditions, cultural codes, and the unique identities of peoples around the world. Today, the rich heritage of nomadic cultures continues to live on and evolve through contemporary applied arts.
The International Ethno-Fashion Competition Urban Nomad took place as part of the cultural programme of the 6th World Nomad Games, held in Kyrgyzstan from 31 August to 6 September. For the first time, fashion was included among the official areas of the Games, and the competition itself became one of the highlights of the large-scale programme.
The main part of the event included an exhibition of original clothing created by leading designers and a gala fashion show. Designers from more than 10 countries took part in the runway presentation, including Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
According to the organisers, young fashion designers from Central Asia and the Asian region as a whole are demonstrating a high degree of originality today. They are finding excellent technological solutions in cutting and tailoring while successfully modernising traditional clothing culture.
Turkmenistan was represented on the runway by two designers who created a special collaboration: Guljemal Bakiyeva, founder of the “VILL'S” brand, and designer Jennet Berdiyeva. They presented their joint capsule collection, Ganatly Zaman. In creating the outfits, the designers drew upon the history and traditions of the Turkmen people, while their principal source of inspiration was the upcoming 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, to which the collection was dedicated.
“Our ethno-collection consists of seven outfits presented in a contemporary interpretation,” says Guljemal Bakiyeva. “The dresses are complemented by striking jewellery and accessories in the national style. The highlight of each outfit is traditional hand embroidery. Through our participation, we wanted to congratulate our homeland on such a significant occasion and express our gratitude. We were very pleased to receive a diploma from the competition.”
Following the results of the competition, the Grand Prix of the International Urban Nomad Competition was awarded to Ozodbek Dadabaev from Kyrgyzstan for his collection Alp Kara-Kush. Prize-winning places were also awarded to representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan.
The main goal of the competition is to introduce Kyrgyz and nomadic ethno-fashion to the world and to help talented young designers reach the international level. As participants in the fashion show emphasised, clothing in an ethnic style always makes a person stand out from the crowd. Outfits with a “stitched-in” cultural code convey profound meanings, telling the story of the history, symbols, and spirit of an entire people.
The competition once again demonstrated that contemporary fashion can serve as a powerful bridge between the past and the future. By carefully preserving, honouring and passing down the age-old traditions of their ancestors from generation to generation, masters of ethno-design not only safeguard national identity but also give it a new and inspiring voice.
