Nodira, Subkhanova

The work of six Uzbek designers was highlighted at the 2006 Bukhara Silk & Spice Festival fashion show, one of the focal points of the Festival. This evening gown is from designer Nodira Subkhanova’s “Bukhara Colour” collection. It stood out as an example of using a textile technique with a long national history - warp ikat - in a modern palette and pattern for a dress meant to appeal to the country’s urban professionals. The garment was purchased for the Museum via the good offices of the Swiss Director of Bukhara Tourism, Andrea Leuenberger, who cajoled it from the arms of its designer the very next morning.