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The courtyard of a historic Tashkent madrasah was draped in handwoven carpets as Italian luxury label Brunello Cucinelli unveiled its Fall-Winter 2026 collection in Uzbekistan’s capital.
Models strolled across the traditional rugs laid out within the Abulkasim Madrasah, accompanied by local music and live performances.
Choosing a religious educational venue for a global fashion showcase was highly unconventional. Madrasahs are traditional Islamic institutions of learning, and the Abulkasim complex originates in the 19th century. Constructed upon the foundations of an earlier architectural site, the structure gained an additional floor in 1864.
Although now designated a protected historical monument, the site is more than a static building. Former student quarters overlooking the courtyard remain active spaces for artisans practicing ceramics, wood carving, engraving, miniature painting, and other traditional crafts.
Fashion Within a Living Craft Hub
Organizers stated the venue selection aimed to bridge the fashion house’s dedication to craftsmanship with Uzbekistan’s own rich artisanal heritage.
Carolina Cucinelli, Vice President and Co-Creative Director of Brunello Cucinelli, noted she spent time examining locally produced crafts during her visit.
“Artisanality is a central connecting point between Uzbekistan and Solomeo,” she remarked, referencing the Umbrian village that serves as the company’s headquarters.
“We had the opportunity to view the pottery, jewellery, and fabrics. It is astonishing. Everything is incredibly colourful.”
The presentation featured both the men’s and women’s Fall-Winter lines, showcasing tailoring, knitwear, and outerwear set against the madrasah’s architecture and the handwoven carpets covering its courtyard.
This decision to host the show within a historic craft centre mirrors Cucinelli’s broader initiatives in Italy.
In 2025, Brunello Cucinelli was awarded an honorary doctorate, in part for his efforts in restoring Solomeo, the Umbrian village hosting the company. A school founded there also educates students in traditional trades such as tailoring, pattern cutting, gardening, and masonry.
Uzbek Fashion Turns Attention to Global Markets
The event arrives as Uzbekistan’s independent design sector increasingly looks beyond the domestic market.
Several local designers have already started gauging international demand, blending modern fashion with materials and techniques grounded in Uzbek craft traditions.
The Tashkent showcase was organized by luxury retailer Glamour Avenue.
Dmitriy Maschenko, CEO of Podium and Glamour Avenue, explained that the concept was built around the cultural setting of the event.
“The concept behind the show was to unite Italian culture with our remarkable Uzbek culture,” he stated.
Maschenko added that he anticipated more international fashion brands would enter the Uzbek market in the coming years.
While Brunello Cucinelli already maintains a retail presence in Tashkent, the October event moved the collection into a historic complex where traditional Uzbek crafts remain actively practised.
