In this episode of Modern Nomads, we explore Kazakhstan's evolving fashion scene. Designers are fusing traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics and sustainability, creating a bold new identity for the country.
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00:00From its vast landscapes to its rich nomadic traditions, Kazakhstan's fashion scene is
00:06undergoing a dynamic transformation, blending heritage with modern designs and sustainability.
00:13Especially for you, Toa.
00:15Marvellous.
00:16Welcome to Kazakhstan, welcome to Modern Nomads.
00:25Better to begin this episode than Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital.
00:29Today the city is home to several renowned designers who combine traditional fabrics
00:34and craftsmanship into striking modern garments.
00:37One such visionary is the ethno-designer Lygul Jan Tsarekova.
00:41For nearly two decades she's championed natural materials and the timeless motifs of Kazakh
00:46heritage.
00:47Lygul is part of a broader movement.
01:14Designer Aika Alema also draws inspiration from Kazakhstan's heritage, incorporating
01:19earthy tones and traditional handicrafts into her acclaimed garments.
01:24But it's her incubator-born nomad that's arguably had the biggest long-term impact.
01:29It's really rewarding to see someone prosper and to see someone make a living.
01:36That's why I created this school and we've helped them build their brand, develop their
01:41product, export, master e-commerce, set up their start-up and attract investors.
01:49To date the incubator has been a launchpad for around three and a half thousand creators.
02:11This new wave of fashion talent is helping to redefine Kazakhstan's identity.
02:38But this revolution isn't confined to individual designers.
02:41Change is sweeping retail here more generally.
02:45Young Kazakhs in particular are driving the demand for something different, which is opening
02:51the door to bold new brands.
02:56Founded in 2021, Global Nomads has quickly made its mark by blending traditional motifs
03:01with modern everyday designs.
03:04The company's emphasis on quality over fast fashion also reflects a deeper ethos, one
03:31rooted in the country's nomadic traditions.
03:58It's that sentiment which seems to resonate across Kazakhstan's design community.
04:19Kazakhstan has not only natural resources that are under the ground, but actually the
04:25and the intellectual ability to create a product that's innovative and based on our roots and
04:34talent.
04:35Okay, so look, Paul, this is a wedding headpiece, see, this is velvet, this is hand embroidered.
04:46Kazakhstan's creative awakening not only honors its nomadic roots, but also perhaps offers
04:51a vision for how the global fashion industry can better embrace sustainability and cultural
04:57authenticity.