Reviving ethnic style: Kazakh designer presents new collection

“This Saukele has been almost everywhere. Starting from Kazakhstan, it was in Paris, Milan. My collection is called “Spirit of the Great Steppe”,” said Gulnar Kassym, fashion designer.

Ethnic fashion designer Gulnar Kassym has long been famous among the Kazakh trendsetters. She wants more. The woman plans to storm the most famous catwalks in the world. The designer has already presented her collections at prestigious fashion shows. The pandemic prevents to move forward so far.

“When Milan hosted an international exhibition, we went there as young entrepreneurs. Residents of Madrid came to us wishing to buy our dresses. They are popular, as you see. Our ornament is everywhere, whether it is the collection of Chanel, Dior or Pierre Cardin. Almost each corset is embroidered with our patterns,” said Gulnar Kassym, fashion designer.

Couturier suits are presented for almost all age categories of women. Despite the fact that they are created in a modern style, the technique of embroidering the national ornament is ancient. The master assured that she draws inspiration from the roots – the traditions and customs of the people.

“My grandmother, wives of my brothers, my sisters taught us to make felt. For example, I made my coats from velvet fabric cuts that our grandmothers kept in chests. Here you see a Kazakh coat, which is also called beshpet made in the modern style. Each pattern embroidered on the beshpet has its own specific meaning and symbolism. The ram’s horn is a symbol of balance and sunlight,” said Gulnar Kassym, fashion designer.

Gulnar is currently preparing for the upcoming fashion week that will be held in Taraz next month. The designer is set to present the new collection “Tumar”, which is aimed to promote Kazakh style of clothing.