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In recent times, Almaty Fashion Week has evolved into a notable location on the global fashion calendar, having effectively gathered designers from across the region. The latest event highlighted fresh collections from both local labels and entrants from Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Armenia.
“Central Asia has traditionally served as a vital nexus for commerce, fostering cultural interchange, the circulation of commodities, and the proliferation of concepts between Eastern and Western societies,” notes Baurzhan Shadibekov. “Our territory showcases a singular ethno-cultural identity, wherein elements from diverse populations and cultures are interwoven. We discern this blend within the output of regional designers and aspire to disseminate this distinctive viewpoint worldwide.” Read further for a more detailed account of the most compelling showcases from Visa Fashion Week Almaty’s spring-summer 2026 season, which took place between October 7th and 9th.
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29
29 represents a fresh figure in the Kazakh fashion scene, embodied by designer Galima Sapar. Her recent collection delves into the concept of resilience in today’s environment, echoing current affairs and prevailing sentiments. Her characters evoke figures from “Mad Max” or “Furiosa” — embodying the essence of dystopian narratives, they sport protective outerwear paired with minuscule shorts or utilitarian pants, reconstructed denim, and tie-dye patterns. In her latest offering, Sapar tackles the tenets of sustainable fashion, drawing attention to the actual expenses linked to every creation on Earth today.
Michael & Amazonka
Michael & Amazonka is the label responsible for the Mongolian national team’s attire at the Olympics, which garnered considerable attention before the 2024 Paris Olympics. At Almaty Fashion Week, sibling designers Michelle and Amazonka Choygalaa unveiled a line that melded their characteristic structured tailoring with a refined application of ethnic inspirations, particularly elaborate needlework. On the Visa Fashion Week Almaty stage, they presented key styles from the previous couple of years that most effectively embody the brand’s character. Alongside striking a harmonious balance between mindful construction and ancestral heritage, the designers exhibited a perceptive grasp of color — vibrant shades of blue, lime, and pink played out seamlessly on the runway that evening.
Zhalt Zhult
Zhalt Zhult emerges as another newcomer at Almaty Fashion Week. For its inaugural collection, the brand, which had no prior presence on Instagram before its show, conveyed a sophisticated narrative entitled “Baylau. A Fresh Kazakh Ceremony of Feminine Initiation.” It touches upon a girl’s progression into adulthood, her journey of self-discovery, and her reliance on the solidarity of women in her lineage. The assortment itself was structured around the milestones of this ceremony (banishment, mourning, revival, and homecoming): transitioning from innocent and gentle visuals to evocative and even combative ones. An empowered woman unfolded before the viewers, one capable of self-defense.
Accel Erlanovna
Zeros — vibrant and diverse — a subject that seemed improbable on the Almaty stage, noted for its affinity for engaging with historical allusions, dystopian aesthetics, or traditional evening wear. Yet designer Asel Erlanovna commendably demonstrated another dimension of the local fashion scene. The latest collection, named “Zhelen”, serves as an ode to ethereality, autonomy, and vivacity, blending flowing outlines, diaphanous textiles, and a spirited interplay of accents, thus crafting looks tailored for assertive and self-reliant women. Asel crafts all pieces by hand.
FAINA
FAINA, an Armenian brand, showcased a fresh collection in Almaty that drew inspiration from the interplay between the natural world and architecture. Designer Faina Harutyunyan intertwined pronounced garments with sharp contours, adorned with floral and foliate motifs. She also stayed true to her preferred minimalistic methodology, creating the ornamental aspects with laser-cutting technology.
ZHSAKEN
“This collection embodies a discourse between heritage and contemporary style. The past and the future of Kazakhstan merge in refined forms and aesthetics, where each nuance conveys substantial meaning,” says Saken Zhaksybayev, a figure with over two decades of commitment to the fashion sector. His presentations often conclude Almaty Fashion Week, serving as remarkable showcases that provide a vivid finale. The spring-summer 2026 season took on a singular quality, marked by profound Kazakh melodies and a strong appreciation for roots.
