Baku Fashion Week: Fashion Takes Center Stage in Azerbaijan

^{Image: Eddie Brend}

Azerbaijan is starting to make headlines as an emerging fashion hub in the Caucuses. During May 24-26, the country witnessed the second season of Baku Fashion Week, hosted at the glamorous Baku Crystal Hall. The hall's crystalline façade radiates and reflects light, creating a visually captivating spectacle both during the day and night. Designers, models, celebrities, guests, and fashion enthusiasts alike came together at the hall to experience a true celebration and ode to the glimmering world of fashion. The three-day show was organized by ModePoint, an organization supporting fashion development in Azerbaijan, and Stock, a concept store that unites and collaborates with over 100 Azerbaijani designers and brands.

Azerbaijan's rich heritage in textile arts and clothing is ever-present in its traditional attire, embellished with cultural motifs and ornamental elements. However, it is a significant cultural shift to observe how the country is becoming more daring and bold in fashion, leaving behind its once conservative stance. The three-day fashion show was a testament to this shift, with designers and fashion brands pushing boundaries and introducing new perspectives to the country's fashion landscape.

The first day started strong with Sultan Gadimbayli shining a spotlight on corseted attire, which has become popular in the fashion world to emphasize the contour of the body. L'arc, a brand created by influencer Kamilla Babayeva, showcased brightly coloured dresses to highlight the striking look of femininity. On the other hand, the Other Azer brand turned heads as all the models wore dark reflective masks that covered their faces, creating a futuristic and extra-terrestrial atmosphere on the runway. Guests also watched the first international brand of the three-day event walk the runway. Russian Viva Vox emphasized oversized outfits with black and red colours, creating striking and bold looks.

^{Images: Samir Abbasli}

The halfway point of this three-day extravaganza began with Emre Erdemoglu, a well-known Turkish designer, as he showcased his fall-winter 2024/25 new men's "Bağ'' collection inspired by the silhouette and cut of military uniforms. Zumrud Mirzaliyeva stood out with a distinct elevated boho style that explored different patterns, textures, and fabrics. Aya Rzali’s designs consisted of various shades of beige and bronze, creating a radiating glow and aura in the designs. Ruh debuted their brand with geometric and fierce-cut looks, blending sharp lines with innovative design to emanate a modern aesthetic. Alongside Ruh, Elvin Aliyev debuted their brand, highlighting various dark leather attires that added a mysterious mood to the collection. To end the night, August 21 showcased various dark-themed clothing with mesmerizing cuts and shapes.

^{Images: Samir Abbasli}

The final day of the show did not disappoint and ended the fashion season with a bang. Lali presented beautiful, brightly coloured summer looks with a stylish and fresh twist. To cap it off, influencer Elnara de Birbuet walked the runway in an edgy and abstract wedding look, leaving the audience in awe. Designer Aygun Talibova explored reflective fabrics and sequins on the runway that were original and classy. With a distinctly unique style, Escalana presented Dollcore, inspired by Japanese ball-jointed dolls, alongside Victorian dresses that featured lace, silk, and fashionable parasols. Two more international brands took the stage this season, both from Georgia: Dadeshqeliani showed intriguing colourful designs, while Tamone impressed with bold, all-black clothes featuring dark, intricate patterns. The second season was closed by Parcha, a popular and well-known fashion brand in Azerbaijan. The brand displayed a chic vintage and old-school theme that was nostalgic and exciting. Celebrities such as TuralTuranX, who represented Azerbaijan in Eurovision 2023, Diana Hajiyeva, who represented Azerbaijan in Eurovision 2017, stylist Fuad Hajiyev, and others rocked the runway wearing Parcha.

^{Images: Samir Abbasli}

As the curtains close on the second season of Baku Fashion Week, the city of Baku emerges as a burgeoning fashion landscape in the region. This event has not only showcased the immense talent within Azerbaijan but has also served to bridge international collaboration and celebrate diversity. It is thrilling to witness fashion taking centre stage in Baku for the first time, inviting the world to take notice of its unique blend of tradition and modernity.

^{Image: Eddie Brend}