muslim fashion in the world: Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan

High demand for modest stylish clothing

Kyrgyzstan - country in Central Asia with a population of 5.5 million, 75 percent of whom are Muslims. Roughly, half of those people are women. That's a lot of ladies wanting to look modest and beautiful if you ask me (even if not all of them adhere to the Islamic code dress). Islamic fashion here is in its very early stages of development. There had been 2 fashion events organised so far: 1st in November 2012 and second in March 2013. Both shows have been a huge success and the show organiser Ms Aizhan Akilbekova had signed a contract with the Russian Drama Theater in Bishkek to host Islamic fashion events twice a year - one for Spring/Summer and another one for Autumn/Winter collections. Ms Akilbekova says:"Our goal is to awaken the forgotten traditions, remind how beautifully femininely and modestly Kyrgyz women used to dress". She also states that along with modesty, traditions and style, designers have taken into consideration Kyrgyz climate: designs for hot summers are made of thin cotton and chiffon, whilst creations for wet autumns and cold winters perfectly match seasons' requirements.

Traditional dress
Traditional dress in Kyrgyzstan has a long tradition and changed many times of the course of history. It would also differ depending on the region. In general girls would wear long white dresses with embroidered velvet vests. Heavy skirts would be worn over these in winter. Their hair was arranged in about forty braids and covered with elaborate headdresses. In another tradition young girls would wear a dress and wide trousers made of bright silk fabrics, often red. Older women's clothes were similar, but the colours were somewhat darker.

Collections from first ever Islamic fashion shows in Bishkek (Autumn-Winter 2012 and Spring Summer 2013)
Creations of the following Kyrgyz designers are presented below: Ms Ukei Muratalieva, Ms Olga Stogova, Mr Usen Berdibaev, Mr Bakhyt Beshbaev, Ms Zhanara Changisheva, Ms Saltanat Mamirbaeva, Ms Indira Ibishiva and Ms Tolganai Kirigulova.

Courtesy to Bomond.kg

Introducing designer Ms Assol Moldakmatova
Ms Moldakmatova is one of the most famous people in the country, she is a TV presenter and producer turned fashion and accessories designer. One of her most recent achievements is the Grand Prix in the category Best Designer-2012 in the international contest Miss Fashion International NY 2012, which was held in New York. Below is her collection of 2012 dedicated to Kyrgyz national dress: