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Azerbaijan Fashion Week Shines Spotlight on Emerging Talents and Renowned Brands

By Vusala Abbasova May 26, 2023

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The overarching theme of the 14th season revolved around the concept that fashion is not only a form of artistic expression but also a lucrative business.

The 14th edition of Azerbaijan Fashion Week was held from May 22nd to May 24th at the prestigious Stone Chronicle Museum in Baku. This highly anticipated event drew the attention of both local and foreign designers, as well as fashion enthusiasts, who gathered to witness the unveiling of the latest designer collections.

In an exclusive interview with Caspian News, Sayad Dossybayev, the art director of Azerbaijan Fashion Week, provided valuable insights into the development of the country’s fashion industry. Dossybayev acknowledged the significant growth and emergence of new talents in the Azerbaijani fashion scene.

“When we initially started, we had a core group of designers in the country. However, we have witnessed a noticeable expansion with the introduction of new names and fresh faces,” noted Dossybayev.

The overarching theme of the 14th season revolved around the concept that fashion is not only a form of artistic expression but also a lucrative business. Dossybayev emphasized the importance of adopting a business-oriented approach for designers looking to showcase their collections.

“Presenting one’s collection at Fashion Week is not a cheap endeavor. It requires substantial financial investments to create and produce a collection, cover modeling expenses, and fulfill various other requirements. Additionally, designers need to consider staffing, ateliers, seasonal considerations, and collaboration with buyers. It is essential for aspiring designers to weigh all these factors, especially the financial aspect. It is a challenging journey that not everyone can handle,” explained Dossybayev.

Dossybayev concluded by expressing his hopes that Azerbaijan Fashion Week would serve as a platform for individuals to express themselves as designers, fostering their creativity and providing opportunities for growth in the industry.

The choice of the Stone Chronicle Museum as the venue added to the allure of the three-day event. The museum, renowned for its captivating stone and epigraphic monuments, provided an exquisite backdrop for the fashion presentations. Designers from Azerbaijan, France, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine graced the event, presenting their exceptional collections.

Each day, two Azerbaijani designers captivated the audience with their unique creations, while other designers hailed from various international destinations. The event showcased fashion collections designed by both local and foreign talents, featuring renowned Azerbaijani brands like ESCA LANA, Gulnara Xalilova, Natavan, Ny Gyul, and Mario Russo. Kazakh brands such as Zherebtsov, Alliya, MA ALI, August, Sadakr A-Sain Kids, and GDA also made their mark. Esteemed international designers, including Naz Maer, a Ukrainian designer residing in Georgia, and Lyubov Makarenko, a Ukrainian designer residing in France, added to the international flair of the event.

One of the notable participants was Azamat Sain, a Kazakh fashion designer specializing in children’s clothing.

“I have visited Azerbaijan multiple times with my collections, and each time, Azerbaijan Fashion Week has presented something unique,” Sain told Caspian News.

He mentioned that this season, he was pleased with the team of hair stylists and makeup artists but expressed a desire to see more local designers focusing on vibrant children’s clothing.

“We showcased a cruise collection of children’s clothes with traditional touches, such as floor-length dresses and beautiful ruffles that exhibit Kazakh DNA. We used natural materials like cotton, linen, and viscose, keeping in mind the comfort of children,” added Sain.

Sain, who launched his own A-Sain Kids brand in 2015 after owning a modeling agency since 2011, revealed plans to present his collection at Georgia Fashion Week in the future.

“For this event, we are preparing a couture collection that will feature embroidery, handmade craftsmanship, and Swarovski stones,” shared his vision.

Azerbaijan Fashion Week has been held twice a year since 2012. The eye-catching fashion show aims to boost the exposure of the country’s fashion industry and ensure a favorable environment for its designers.