On the shores of one of the world’s deepest lakes, high in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan Mountains, models strut and wear clothing that blends ancient and modern at the Nomads World Fashion Festival.
The event, now in its third year, drew designers and fashion industry figures from around 20 countries to the sparkling Issyk-Kul lake to admire clothing that is based on Kyrgyzstan’s thousand-year-old nomadic culture.
The stiletto heels worn by some of the models would not be appropriate for a proper nomad, but some of their elaborate headdresses that appeared to imitate cattle horns were with traditional nomadic costumes.
Swirling and voluminous skirts featured in many of the dresses, either in detailed patterns or in vibrant color blocks.
Along with fashion, the show offered visitors the chance to see a range of yurts – wooden-framed leather tents or characteristic of nomads – and brightly colored carpets.
There were participants from as far away as Indonesia, Morocco and France.
During a three-day program, about 40 designers exhibited their work.
“World Nomad Fashion Festival is the first and only project in Central Asia and some European countries that celebrates the civilization of nomads,” said the founder of the event, Nazira Begim.
“It was created in 2019. This idea belongs to me. The project is one of my old dreams.
“When I organized it for the first time, without knowing anyone personally, I invited designers from 17 countries and also held it on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.”
Ms. Begim is keen to highlight the fashion industry in Kyrgyzstan.
AP
