Visa Fashion Week Almaty is the most important fashion event in Central Asia, and Almaty is a city where fashion is approached passionately in every sense of the word—both on the runway and on the streets.
by Tina LončarOctober 16, 2025
After twelve long hours of travel, I finally touched down in Kazakhstan, and night had already fallen over Almaty. I lit my last cigarette in front of the hotel, paused for a few minutes to listen to dogs howling in the distance, and promised myself I would sleep as long as I wanted the next day – though deep down I knew that neither adrenaline nor curiosity would let me stay in bed for too long.
And so it was – after just three hours of sleep, I woke up ready to explore the Central Asian city I was visiting for the first time. We’ll catch up on sleep at home. On the table in my hotel room awaited a large pastel bouquet bathed in morning sunlight, and next to it sat a pink sheet from Visa Fashion Week Almaty, meticulously listing the schedule of its twelfth edition. Among the eighteen brands from Kazakhstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Mongolia, coming to Almaty to showcase their Spring/Summer 2026 collections, one item immediately stood out: Street style, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in front of the Ritz-Carlton. Alright, I thought, we have a date. I can’t wait.
I was in front of the Ritz-Carlton at 3:30 p.m., as punctual as a Japanese train. On the plaza, photographers with their long lenses had already gathered, along with a few well-dressed guests strolling or simply standing still. In reality, nothing was much different from what I see at fashion weeks in Europe – except that in Almaty, street style is clearly laid out in the schedule, which is fantastic! That honesty felt refreshing. We all know where we are, the time, and why we’re here. Instead of pretending we ‘accidentally’ showed up dressed for fashion week, everything is crystal clear – one hour to pose and show off what we’re wearing. Honestly, that’s exactly what most people attending fashion weeks want.
While some street style photographers prefer candid shots, for anyone creating content, this setup is far simpler and much more practical. In front of the Ritz-Carlton, everyone gathers at the scheduled time for the same reason: either to take photos or to be photographed. There’s no ambiguity, no shy or disinterested faces – those who want to avoid the lens know exactly when the first show starts. Thanks to this openness, I was able to photograph anyone who caught my eye. Everyone was happy to collaborate and they had clearly prepared for it exceptionally well!
Beyond the fashion showcased on the runway, the fashion crowd in Almaty takes their own style very seriously. Their look is anything but casual, with every detail polished to the point that it could seem like anyone is ready to step straight into a fashion editorial at any moment. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a higher density of designer handbags per square meter than in Almaty.
But this doesn’t mean influencers parade around in total looks that replicate runway ensembles. The local street style crowd mixes pieces in their own way. Ethnic influences intertwine with trends from Western European fashion capitals (where fashion insiders from Central Asia frequently travel for fashion weeks), all layered with an astonishing level of precision and thoughtfulness. Every look is meticulously considered, from colors and textures to carefully chosen details meant to catch the eye and give each outfit a signature of creativity and boldness. Street style has played a major role in fashion for over a decade – and in Almaty, the only difference is that people proudly and openly show it off.
Below, take a look at the street style photographs captured during Visa Fashion Week Almaty by Florencia Fabris and Martyna Merżewska:
