Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, it is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The terrain of Kazakhstan includes flatlands, taiga, rock canyons, hills, deltas, snow-capped mountains, and deserts. The population is 17 million with 70% adhering to Islam. Islam was brought to the territory of Kazakhstan during the 8th century when the Arabs arrived in Central Asia. At the time various Turkic tribes were practicing different religions: paganism, Tengrism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, etc. It took few hundred years for all of the tribes to accept Islam.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union (1991) there has been a revival culture, traditions, language and religion in Kazakhstan. With more women adhering to Islam the demand for appropriate clothing has been steadily increasing over the past 20 years. Most of the clothing used to be imported from Turkey, Iran and Egypt, but few years ago local designers have started considering creating their own Islamic brands that did not only meet the religious canons, but also had traditional elements. Since 2011 Kazakhstan has hosted numerous Muslim Fashion Shows, held Muslim Fashion weeks in Almaty and Astana and fashion competition for young designers.
Traditional dress
Traditionally, unmarried Kazakh women did not wear a head-covering, although the rest of their dress had to be modest. Married women were obliged to wear a head-covering that matches the hijab requirements.
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| Courtesy of "Erke-Nur", design by Farida Merhamit-kyzy |
Combining traditions and modern fashion
Zulfiya Akataeva is only 22, but already is a well-known fashion designer in Kazakhstan. She owns boutique "ZUFA" in Almaty. This young designer makes emphasis on convenience and comfort and she likes to work with denim.
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Farida Merhamit-kyzy is one of the leading designers in Almaty. Her designs range from regular women’s, men’s, children’s clothing to Islamic fashion and wedding attires for brides and grooms. Farida’s designs join colours and forms in an unusual and exciting way; she also offers headscarfs decorated with national ornaments.
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| Farida with her models |
Gulzhan Rysbekova , better known under the brand of Gulzhan Yrys , has made her name in Western style fashion first before adding Islamic fashion to her resume. Gulzhan focuses on the delicate pastel colours and combines contrasting colors. The designer uses frills in her collection traditional to Kazakh dress.
Designer Kuralai Nurkadilova is the leading designer in the country and had become well-known beyond its boundaries. She is considered as a local in Russia and people look forward to her new collections. The Italians and French keep inviting her over to their shows. Nevertheless Kuralai considers herself as a Kazakh fashion designer who inspired a generation of young designers in Kazakhstan. She owns a fashion house “Kuralai” and recently created “Kuralai-Muslim” collection aimed at women wanting to dress modestly and beautifully. Kuralai brings colour and glamour to her creations; she likes to work with silk, taffeta, chiffon and laces.
Wedding dress
Nowadays it has become fashionable to wear a dress that resembles traditional wedding dress. We like this trend and hope it continues as Kazakh wedding dresses are stunning!
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